Liverpool’s quest for a quadruple came to a shocking halt on Sunday as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by second-tier side Plymouth Argyle, who clinched a remarkable 1-0 victory at Home Park. The Premier League leaders fielded a much-changed lineup but were undone by a resilient Plymouth side sitting at the bottom of the Championship.
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott was penalized for a handball in the box. Ryan Hardie stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, sending him the wrong way. “We all came here today with a dream and we have done it. I don’t know what to say,” an elated Hardie told reporters after the match.
Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their only shot on target in the first half came from James McConnell’s long-range effort, which was expertly saved by Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard in the 36th minute. The visitors’ woes were compounded when defender Joe Gomez was forced off early due to injury.
Manager Arne Slot rested several key players ahead of the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Alexis Mac Allister. However, the strategy backfired as the less experienced squad failed to break down a determined Plymouth defense.
In the dying moments of the game, Liverpool intensified their efforts, but Hazard proved to be the hero for the hosts. The Northern Irish goalkeeper made stunning saves to deny Diogo Jota’s volley and Darwin Nunez’s header, sealing Plymouth’s place in the next round. “At the end of the day, it is my job. So I am delighted with that,” Hazard said modestly when asked about his crucial saves.
Liverpool had been in scintillating form this season, topping the Premier League and progressing to the UEFA Champions League’s last 16. Their League Cup final appearance had fans dreaming of an unprecedented quadruple. But Plymouth’s unexpected triumph has put those dreams to rest.
The victory marks a significant morale boost for Plymouth Argyle as they battle relegation in the Championship. For Liverpool, it’s a wake-up call ahead of a crucial period in their season.
