1' min
FA Cup shocker: Liverpool crashes out of the competition after a shocking 1-0 defeat against struggling Plymouth Argyle. With a rotated squad and a lackluster performance, Arne Slot’s team sees their hopes of a perfect four-trophy season come to an abrupt end.
The match was decided in the 53rd minute when Harvey Elliott’s handball gifted the hosts a penalty. Ryan Hardie stepped up and coolly sent Kelleher the wrong way, sparking wild celebrations at Home Park. Plymouth, rock-bottom in the Championship, grew in confidence and held firm against the Reds' attempts to respond.
Liverpool struggled to create chances, managing just one shot on target in the first half. Northern Irish goalkeeper Conor Hazard emerged as Plymouth’s hero, first denying McConnell’s long-range strike in the 36th minute, then making brilliant saves in stoppage time to stop Jota’s volley and a Nunez header.
Arne Slot had rested key players ahead of the Merseyside derby against Everton, leaving Salah, Van Dijk, Alisson, and Mac Allister out of the squad. An early injury to Joe Gomez further disrupted Liverpool’s plans, adding to their frustrating night.
Before this upset, Liverpool had been fighting on all fronts—leading the Premier League, through to the Champions League last 16, and set for the League Cup final. But Plymouth’s incredible victory has abruptly ended any talk of a historic quadruple.
Meanwhile, there were no surprises in the other FA Cup fourth-round match, as Wolverhampton cruised past Blackburn 2-0. Joao Gomes and Matheus Cunha struck in quick succession in the first half, sealing Wolves' progress. Blackburn’s Dominic Hyam thought he had scored in the 19th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside, allowing Wolves to comfortably advance.
