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Paul Merson claims one Arsenal player would have prevented Fleetwood defeat

Arsenal suffered one of the biggest upsets in the 66-year history of the League Cup on Tuesday night, losing 5-3 on penalties to League Two…

Arsenal Insider

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 9:00 AM

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Paul Merson claimed Declan Rice playing would have prevented Arsenal's League Cup loss to Fleetwood Town.
Arsenal drew 1-1 with League Two Fleetwood Town before losing 5-3 on penalties.
Mikel Arteta revealed Declan Rice missed the match after picking up an issue against Everton.

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Pundit Paul Merson claimed that Declan Rice's presence would have prevented Arsenal's shock League Cup elimination against League Two side Fleetwood Town. Arsenal drew 1-1 before losing 5-3 on penalties on Tuesday night. Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson argued that Rice and Martin Odegaard are essential to the team, stating that Fleetwood would not have won if Rice had played.

Mikel Arteta heavily rotated his lineup, with Rice missing the fixture after picking up an issue against Everton. While Odegaard came on at half-time, Merson criticized the performances of Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres. Arsenal now face concerns over Rice's availability for their upcoming match against Liverpool.

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Paul Merson claims one Arsenal player would have prevented Fleetwood defeat

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