Arsenal Lunchtime Round-Up, Wednesday 28th October 2026: Dowman Red Card Fallout Dominates After Shock Fleetwood Exit

The big talking point this morning is still Arsenal's stunning Carabao Cup exit at Fleetwood Town, with the Gunners dumped out on penalties by the League One side (BBC Sport) (BBC Sport). Fleetwood's players and supporters are understandably on cloud nine, with Conor Haughey saying he was "buzzing" after a historic night at the club (BBC Sport), fans calling it "the best day of my life" (BBC Sport), and manager Matt Lawlor delighted at knocking out a side he described as the "best team in the country" (BBC Sport). There was even a bizarre subplot away from the pitch, with police seizing a drone after the match was temporarily halted (Sky Sports).

For Arsenal, the real story is Max Dowman. The 16-year-old was sent off for violent conduct after kicking out at Fleetwood's Harrison Neal, leaving Mikel Arteta facing a selection headache ahead of the weekend's trip to face Liverpool (Football.London) (Football.London) (Football.London). Lip readers suggested Arteta had some choice words for the teenager as he trudged down the tunnel, and the Arsenal boss has since explained his reaction amid criticism from some quarters (Football.London) (Sky Sports). BBC Sport's analysis questioned whether Arteta's response was perhaps a touch harsh on a young player (BBC Sport). Arsenal have now confirmed they are appealing against Dowman's red card (BBC Sport), a move former MK Dons boss Karl Robinson praised on Sky Sports as "genius leadership" (Sky Sports).

Elsewhere, Thierry Henry has hit back at criticism over comments he made during Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony, insisting they were just "jokes" (BBC Sport). And ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting with Liverpool, there's an interesting managerial subplot as Arteta, Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola - all once mentored by the same coach - find themselves on opposing touchlines this week (Football.London).

This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.