According to a report by Flashscore on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Arsenal produced an underwhelming first-half display against Fleetwood Town in their EFL Cup quarter-final, going into the interval trailing 1-0.

Despite controlling possession and spending considerable time in the opposition half, Mikel Arteta’s men struggled to create clear goalscoring opportunities. Their lack of attacking efficiency allowed Fleetwood to protect their advantage heading into the second half.

Five Arsenal players particularly struggled to make a positive impression during the opening 45 minutes.

1. Max Dowman

Dowman endured a frustrating first half despite having several opportunities to influence Arsenal’s attacking play.

The youngster wasted a promising chance in the 20th minute after collecting a loose ball inside the penalty area but sending his effort wide of the left post.

His contribution from set pieces was also disappointing, with one free-kick delivery failing to create danger and another being comfortably dealt with by Fleetwood’s defenders.

2. Kai Havertz

Havertz failed to take advantage of one of Arsenal’s better opportunities to get back into the contest.

The German international connected with a dangerous cross inside the penalty area in the 40th minute, but his attempted header sailed over the crossbar.

He had also produced a powerful effort earlier in the half, only for a Fleetwood defender to block his attempt.

His inability to convert the headed opportunity was particularly frustrating as Arsenal continued searching for an equaliser.

3. Piero Hincapie

Hincapie struggled to make his contributions count during the opening period, particularly when presented with an opportunity to threaten Fleetwood from a set piece.

The Ecuadorian defender connected with Dowman’s free kick in the 10th minute, but his close-range header went over the crossbar.

He later delivered a dangerous cross in the 39th minute, although Fleetwood’s defence managed to clear the ball before an Arsenal attacker could take advantage.

4. Ceadach O’Neill

O’Neill failed to provide the quality Arsenal needed from their set-piece situations.

His corner in the 31st minute did not reach an Arsenal teammate, allowing a Fleetwood defender to remove the danger.

With Arsenal enjoying considerable possession, the youngster needed greater accuracy and creativity in his deliveries to help the visitors turn their dominance into goalscoring opportunities.

5. Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres also struggled to make a meaningful impact in the final third during the first half.

The Swedish striker found it difficult to influence Arsenal’s attacking moves, while his attempted pass in the 45th minute was blocked by a Fleetwood player before the opportunity could develop.

Despite the Gunners spending much of the half on the front foot, Gyokeres struggled to impose himself against the opposition defence.

Arsenal need a stronger second half

Arteta will be disappointed with his players’ inability to make their possession count, particularly against opposition they would have expected to dominate.

The Gunners must improve their movement, finishing and creativity after the break if they are to overturn Fleetwood’s advantage and secure qualification for the next round.