'Where you come from doesn't decide where you can go' - Fleetwood reacts to incredible win over Arsenal
“We will remember this night forever. Where you come from doesn't decide where you can go- now we're off to the quarter finals!”
Footballing legends, musical icons and local schools have all proudly spoken out after Fleetwood’s miraculous victory against the Premier League champions Arsenal last night.
Matt Lawlor’s side won 5-3 on penalties after holding the Gunners to a 1-1 draw during normal time. The win was one of the biggest giant killings in modern footballing history, and plenty of local heroes have praised the Cod Army for their monumental performance against some of the best players in the world.
Punk icon and local lad John Robb celebrated the win on Facebook: ‘Wow! Fleetwood (where I was born) beat the multi million pound Arsenal in t’cup…’
Wyre Council also praised Matt Lawlor’s side, adding that Fleetwood’s win reflected the resilient and ambitious nature of the town. A spokesperson said: “To see Fleetwood Town FC make history against Arsenal was a proud moment for everyone connected to our town.
“This win wasn't just about football, it reflected the character of our town: resilient, ambitious and never afraid to take on a challenge, no matter the odds. Congratulations to the players, staff, supporters and everyone who helped make history.”
Fleetwood Town FC summed the night up perfectly themselves, posting on social media: ‘We will never get over this moment.’ Manager Matt Lawlor described the night as the ‘greatest’ in the club’s 108-year history, and fans told the Gazette that they would remember that moment for the rest of their lives.
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Flakefleet Primary School reminded us all of Fleetwood’s close sense of community and togetherness in the wake of the win. Headteacher Dave McPartlin said: “Nobody gave us a chance. A little fishing town at the top of Lancashire has just knocked the Premier League champions out of the cup. On penalties. At Highbury. Ours!!!!
“Fleetwood. Small town. Big heart. HUGE sense of community. And tonight the whole country got to see it.
“We will remember this night forever. Where you come from doesn't decide where you can go- now we're off to the quarter finals!!! Nobody gave us a chance - but we took it anyway. What a night. What a town.”
Slightly further afield, former Arsenal legend and England midfielder Paul Merson led the pundit’s praise after the game. He said: “Whoever they play, I hope they get a big draw. They won't be scared, if they get someone at home, I think that they will cause problems, fair play to them tonight, I’ve sat here and watched a miracle.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Arsenal manager Michael Arteta praised the atmosphere created by the Fleetwood faithful and expressed his disappointment at the result. “First of all, congratulations to Fleetwood for going through to the next round in the manner they've done it,” the Spaniard said.
Fleetwood’s attention will remain on the Cup tonight as they eagerly await the quarter final draw, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all still in the hat. They will return to league action at Highbury on Saturday when they host Bristol Rovers.