Storm Soaks Fans at Emirates as Roof Leaks, Drone Delays Cup Tie, and

Storm Soaks Fans at Emirates as Roof Leaks, Drone Delays Cup Tie, and Young Nwaneri Scores Late Winner

Heavy rain from Storm Boleo drenched fans in the Emirates Stadium East Stand, a drone halted Arsenal's Carabao Cup match, and 16-year-old Emerson Nwaneri netted an 87th-minute winner for the U21s.

NationPulse Desk

Oct 29, 2026 · 8:46 PM 3 min read

Key takeaways

Fans in the East Stand's front middle rows were soaked as rain poured off the Emirates roof during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton.

A drone over Highbury Stadium delayed Arsenal's Carabao Cup match with Fleetwood by more than eight minutes on Tuesday night.

Rob Holding was fined for his role in a mass confrontation during a Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers MLS match.

Emerson Nwaneri scored an 87th-minute winner for Arsenal U21s against Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy.

Arsenal launched a handmade china range with items priced from £45 to £700 in collaboration with artist Nick Dynan.

Storm Boleo battered the UK last weekend, and the Emirates Stadium suffered a severe leak. During Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, rain poured onto the front middle rows of the lower tier in the East Stand, forcing those fans to relocate in the second half as they became soaked.

The volume of water ran off the roof in that specific section, leaving supporters unable to stay dry. Arsenal are reportedly investigating the issue, which is not the first occurrence; a similar problem hit the front middle rows of the Clock End during a 2023 Europa League match against Sporting.

The leak appears limited to extreme weather and the front middle rows of lower tiers. Arsenal recently pledged to pursue continued development of the Emirates after abandoning plans to expand its 60,704-seat capacity, with chief Josh Kroenke still eager to raise the venue to world-class standards.

DRONE ON

Police will interview the individual who delayed Arsenal's Carabao Cup tie with Fleetwood by flying a drone over the stadium. The fourth-round match at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday night, which Arsenal lost on penalties, was paused for over eight minutes early in the first half when the drone hovered near the ground, prompting referee Michael Salisbury to stop play.

According to SunSport, Lancashire Police located the operator nearby, seized the drone, and will speak to the man later. The drone was retrieved just as Salisbury was about to send players back to the dressing room.

OH MY COD

Fleetwood are monetising their shock win over Arsenal by auctioning the players' shirts. The Cod Army recorded their biggest victory ever on Tuesday night, and fans can now bid online via the club website for match-worn shirts. The auction closes on Sunday, with winners to be contacted the following day.

Midfielder Mark Helm's shirt leads at £1,200, goalkeeper Jay Lynch's shirt sits at £1,000, and 19-year-old Conor Haughey's shirt is listed at £350 after his winning spot-kick and on-air expletive.

Fleetwood had previously sold commemorative merchandise, including personalised tickets and double-sided match scarves, ahead of the game.

ROB THE WRONG WAY

Former Arsenal defender Rob Holding received a fine for his part in a "mass confrontation" during the Colorado Rapids' MLS match against the Portland Timbers. The Rapids, owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, drew 0-0 at Portland earlier this month, but the game was disrupted by a brawl three minutes before halftime.

The incident began when Portland forward Kristoffer Velde went down after a tackle from Rapids midfielder Morgan Whittaker, who then appeared to kick at him. Velde pushed Whittaker, prompting Rapids captain Holding to charge in and push Velde to the ground, sparking a melee involving most players.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee fined Portland Timbers and head coach Marti Cifuentes, as well as Colorado Rapids and coach Matt Wells. Holding and three other players were also fined for "inciting and/or escalating a mass confrontation."

NWAN TO REMEMBER

Emerson Nwaneri extended his impressive run with a late winner for Arsenal U21s in the EFL Trophy against Wimbledon. The 16-year-old, who had previously played in goal for the U18s against Tottenham after a double-injury crisis, also scored a 91st-minute equaliser for Arsenal U19s against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Youth League.

In the recent match, Nwaneri provided an assist and netted an 87th-minute deflected finish past Joe McDonnell, securing a win over a League One side. This victory came on the same night Arsenal's first team were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Fleetwood.

NEW SILVERWARE

Arsenal have launched a handmade china collection in partnership with London artist Nick Dynan. Items include £45 mugs, £95 plates, and a £700 gold-plated vase, with plates bearing the phrase "It's done" referencing Declan Rice's famous "It's not done" moment.

Each piece features the names of the title-winning squad and is crafted by hand. This follows Arsenal's recent commercial ventures, such as a children's clothing line with Zara.