Arsenal pushed hard against their League One rivals but ended up knocked out of the Carabao Cup at home.
The Premier League titleholders set off to Highbury Stadium searching for the breakthrough that would put the visitors from League Two to the sword, having won three of their 13 league games.
But their pressure did not translate into many shot attempts; they mustered 26, but with an expected goals value of just 2.21. Fleetwood’s defenders held firm, though, with Finley Potter and Conor Haughey each recording three blocks.
Arteta commended his side’s attitude and endeavour during the game.
“It’s a really sad day for us. We can’t find any fault with the attitude of the players,” Arsenal boss said on Sky Sports.
“He said: “You obviously want the margins to be bigger than going to penalties. “You need to take advantage of that and we didn’t. That’s football.
16-year-old Arsenal winger Max Dowman was also dismissed in the game for stamping on Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal after a challenge.
Arteta, who seemed to have a word with the young player firmly as he was leaving the pitch, said the matter would be a learning experience.
“We all have mistakes,” he said.
Despite the assist Arteta argued his players had played with enough drive but failing to convert chances was costly.
The result is a major blow for Arsenal as they now face a disappointing season in the competitions, while Fleetwood will be thrilled with a historic win against the English giants.
