Liverpool suffered a humiliating FA Cup exit as Championship side Plymouth Argyle pulled off a stunning 1-0 win in the fourth round on Sunday, February 9, effectively ending their quadruple hopes.
Manager Arne Slot’s decision to rest key players backfired, with Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty sealing Plymouth’s remarkable upset at Home Park. The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, and Cody Gakpo were rested, and Slot made 10 changes from the side that had demolished Tottenham 4-0 in the League Cup semi-final. This defeat was a rare misstep in an otherwise successful season for the former Feyenoord manager. Liverpool’s fourth loss in all competitions this season marked only the third time they failed to score under Slot, and it also became just the fourth instance in FA Cup history where the Premier League leaders were eliminated by a lower-division club.
Liverpool now face the challenge of recovering quickly for the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday. However, there’s little reason for panic as a win would extend their lead over second-placed Arsenal to nine points in the title race. The Reds are also through to the Champions League last 16 and have a League Cup final against Newcastle in March to look forward to.
For Plymouth’s manager, Miron Muslic, the victory was especially significant. Having replaced Wayne Rooney in January, Muslic’s career journey was shaped by his childhood as a Bosnian refugee. After escaping the siege of Bihac in 1992, his win against Liverpool became a career-defining moment. This upset is being hailed as one of the greatest giant-killings in FA Cup history, adding to Plymouth’s earlier triumphs over Premier League sides Brentford and West Brom this season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s weakened lineup struggled, further depleted when Joe Gomez limped off injured in the first half. Plymouth held strong defensively, and it wasn’t until the 36th minute that Liverpool registered their first shot on target, which was saved by Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard.
Liverpool’s frustration grew when a handball by Harvey Elliott in the 54th minute led to Hardie converting the resulting penalty. Despite late efforts from Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, Hazard stood firm with crucial saves, ensuring Plymouth’s historic victory in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Elsewhere, Wolves advanced to the fifth round with a 2-0 win at Blackburn, while Tottenham’s hopes of a cup run are still in the balance ahead of their match against Aston Villa on Sunday, February 9.
