NIGEL WINTERBURN has urged Arsenal to channel the humiliation from their Fleetwood defeat into a powerful response against Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s squad faced an unexpected upset against the League Two side in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, highlighted by the sending-off of 16-year-old Max Dowman after he reacted to a harsh tackle.

Winterburn, 62, recalls a similar nightmare when Arsenal, the defending champions, were eliminated from the FA Cup by fourth-tier Wrexham in 1992.

He reflects on how demoralizing it was to experience such a giant killing.

That experience taught him that elite teams must set aside their pride and transform public humiliation into motivation for immediate action.

Winterburn told SunSport: “I won the league in ’91 and then lost to Wrexham the following season.

“History shows it can happen again, but it’s always shocking.

“You can hear the celebrations in their dressing room, which is likely close by.

“The players will feel the pain, but you must harness that disappointment along with the teasing from others.

“Use it to ensure you’re prepared for the next match — which is Liverpool away.”

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Dowman responded to Harrison Neal’s aggressive tackle by kneeing the Fleetwood player, leading to a chaotic scene.

The young player received a sharp reprimand from Arteta as he walked off after his red card.

Winterburn contends that Dowman was unfairly penalized by referee Michael Salisbury, but believes the incident will ultimately benefit his development as a player.

He stated: “His foot is on the ground, and he leans forward, putting his knee into the player.

“It’s not violent at all. No one is getting hurt by that—it’s not possible.

“In my opinion, it should have been a yellow card. I don’t see it as a red.

“I believe the reaction from others may have influenced the decision to send him off.”

Regarding Arteta’s public admonishment of the young player, Winterburn acknowledged that it comes with being part of a title-contending team.

Receiving tough feedback on the touchline was common in his era—and he expects Dowman to bounce back.

He added: “Does age matter? Yes, it does.

“If you’re asking me whether my teammates or managers ever reprimanded me, then absolutely.

“Did I give them some back? Certainly. But I wasn’t a 16-year-old at Arsenal.

“It’s just a learning process for him.

“The greater disappointment for Mikel and Max will be the potential three-game ban for violent conduct.”

The former defender recognized that surprising cup exits leave a lasting impact on any team.

Nevertheless, with the Premier League title race heating up, there’s little time to dwell on past mistakes.

He said: “You’ve got to immediately move past that loss.

“If you head into the next match focused on that setback, you’re likely to suffer another defeat.

“You must confront the pressure you’ll experience and rise to the occasion.”

Winterburn has firsthand experience with the intense atmosphere at Anfield, having played in Arsenal’s legendary title-clinching victory there in May 1989.

Reflecting on his extensive career with 440 appearances for the Gunners, he still regards that night as the pinnacle.

He recalled: “I had a long professional career and feel fortunate.

“But if you asked me to choose one moment, it would invariably be ’89. That was my first medal—a dramatic night that will always be my favorite.”

Arsenal travels to Merseyside without star winger Bukayo Saka, who was injured during the 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich.

The absence of such a crucial playmaker creates a significant gap on the right side, challenging the squad’s depth.

Winterburn remarked: “Saka is a world-class player. When your key players are unavailable, it weakens the bench.”

“We might need to adjust our formation to fit other players in.

“Injuries in wide positions are frustrating and troubling.

“They will have to contend with that.”

Winterburn emphasized the importance of summer signing Ezri Konsa in the absence of William Saliba.

The former Villa player has inserted himself seamlessly into the lineup, showing composure under pressure.

He said: “He’s quite strong, athletic, and has a keen understanding of the game.

“He looks as if he’s been at the club for a long time.”

Despite the disappointment against Fleetwood, Winterburn has faith that Arsenal possesses the defensive resilience to secure a vital victory.

The defense has consistently demonstrated its ability to withstand significant pressure and achieve clean sheets, even on off days.

He said: “You can see Arsenal defenders making crucial blocks and celebrating them as if they’d scored a goal.

“I appreciate that mentality; it reflects their commitment to keeping clean sheets.

“Even when you’re leading 3-0, conceding is not an option.

“If they’re not at their best, they still typically find a way to win.”

Having secured three league titles with the Gunners without successfully defending the championship, Winterburn understands the relentless challenge at the top.

He remarked: “There’s tremendous effort required to win a Premier League title, then you have to go again soon after.

“Sometimes it can feel more challenging than it should be.

“I have no doubt that Arsenal will be contenders this year.”

After Dominik Szoboszlai’s late winner caused heartache for Arsenal at Anfield last year, Winterburn feels the Gunners have a point to prove.

He stated: “Liverpool has been strong lately, and we have several players missing.

“Last year, we suffered a terrible loss there from that remarkable free-kick, so perhaps it’s our time to settle the score with Liverpool.

“As a player, you always believe you can win every match.

“Winning is the bare minimum you aim for.

“A game can hinge on a moment of brilliance, a refereeing decision, or an error. But Arsenal tends to find a way to get results.”

NIGEL WINTERBURN was speaking on behalf of Virgin Bet.