In a stunning FA Cup fourth-round upset, Premier League leaders Liverpool were eliminated by Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle, who secured a 1-0 victory at Home Park.
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Liverpool's Harvey Elliott was penalized for a handball in the box. Plymouth's Ryan Hardie confidently converted the ensuing penalty, placing the ball into the bottom left corner beyond goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher's reach.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot made several changes to the lineup, resting key players such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk ahead of the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton. Despite these rotations, the Reds struggled to create significant scoring opportunities, managing only one shot on target in the first half.
Plymouth, currently at the bottom of the Championship, displayed remarkable resilience and tactical discipline. Defender Nikola Katic delivered a standout performance, contributing 11 headed clearances to thwart Liverpool's attacks. Goalkeeper Conor Hazard also made crucial saves, particularly in the closing stages, to preserve the lead.
This victory marks Plymouth's first win over Liverpool since 1956 and propels them into the FA Cup fifth round. For Liverpool, the defeat ends their aspirations for a quadruple this season and raises questions about squad depth and rotation strategies.
The FA Cup continues to deliver its trademark drama, reminding fans of the unpredictable nature of football and the potential for underdogs to achieve historic victories.
