Player Ratings as Plymouth Stun Liverpool in the FA Cup Fourth Round | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool: Young Reds Suffer FA Cup Shock

Premier League leaders Liverpool faced a humbling FA Cup exit on Sunday, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle. The result stunned fans and pundits alike, as the youthful Reds side couldn’t overcome a resilient Plymouth, who sit bottom of the Championship.

Early Setbacks and Missed Opportunities

Liverpool’s afternoon started on the wrong foot when defender Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury just ten minutes in. The young Reds, featuring several inexperienced players, struggled to find their rhythm in a cautious first half. Despite dominating possession, they managed just one shot on target, failing to truly test Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard.

Plymouth, on the other hand, were content to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Though they didn’t create many clear-cut chances before the break, their defensive organisation kept Liverpool at bay and hinted at the upset to come.

Photo: IMAGO

Hardie’s Penalty Seals Historic Victory

Seven minutes into the second half, Liverpool’s troubles deepened. Harvey Elliott was penalised for a clear handball inside the box, giving Ryan Hardie the perfect opportunity to put Plymouth ahead. Hardie made no mistake from the spot, sending Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way and igniting celebrations among the home fans.

Plymouth nearly doubled their lead shortly after, with Hardie rattling the post as Liverpool’s defence wobbled. The Reds responded with increased urgency, and Luis Diaz seemed destined to equalise until Matthew Sorinola produced a stunning block to deny him a tap-in.

As the clock ticked down, Liverpool piled on the pressure, but Plymouth’s defensive trio of Sorinola, Nikola Katic, and Maksym Talovierov stood firm. In stoppage time, Hazard pulled off two brilliant saves, denying Diogo Jota and Jarell Quansah to preserve Plymouth’s lead and secure a famous FA Cup upset.

Tactical Insights and Managerial Impact

Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, faced criticism for his team selection and tactical approach. Fielding a youthful side may have been seen as underestimating the challenge posed by Plymouth. Slot’s substitutions, including the introduction of Darwin Nunez and Trent Kone-Doherty, injected some energy but failed to break down a resolute Plymouth defence.

Plymouth’s tactical discipline under their manager proved decisive. The team’s defensive organisation and ability to capitalise on rare opportunities highlighted a well-executed game plan, ultimately exposing Liverpool’s vulnerabilities.

Photo: IMAGO

Player Ratings

Plymouth Argyle: GK: Conor Hazard – 7 CB: Maksym Talovierov – 8 CB: Nikola Katic – 8 CB: Julio Pleguezuelo – 7 RM: Matthew Sorinola – 7 CM: Adam Randell – 7 CM: Darko Gyabi – 7 LM: Tymoteusz Puchacz – 7 AM: Callum Wright – 7 AM: Ryan Hardie – 8 ST: Mustapha Bundu – 6 SUB: Victor Palsson (66′ for Pleguezuelo) – 6 SUB: Malachi Boateng (72′ for Randell) – 6 SUB: Muhamed Tijani (72′ for Bundu) – 6 SUB: Michael Obafemi (81′ for Hardie) – 6

Liverpool: GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – 6 RB: James McConnell – 8 CB: Jarell Quansah – 7 CB: Joe Gomez – 7 LB: Kostas Tsimikas – 8 DM: Wataru Endo – 7 CM: Harvey Elliott – 6 CM: Trey Nyoni – 7 RW: Federico Chiesa – 6 ST: Diogo Jota – 6 LW: Luis Diaz – 7 SUB: Isaac Mabaya (10′ for Gomez) – 6 SUB: Darwin Nunez (58′ for Mabaya) – 6 SUB: Trent Kone-Doherty (76′ for Nyoni) – 7

Player of the Match: Nikola Katic (Plymouth)

FA Cup Magic Lives On

This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and drama that defines the FA Cup. Plymouth Argyle’s victory over Liverpool will be remembered as one of the competition’s great upsets, emphasising that in knockout football, anything is possible.

Liverpool will now shift their focus back to the Premier League, where they remain in a strong position. However, this defeat will undoubtedly raise questions about squad depth and tactical choices as they continue their quest for silverware under Arne Slot.