Plymouth, England — Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle delivered a seismic shock in the FA Cup, knocking out Premier League leaders Liverpool with a dramatic 1-0 victory at Home Park on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute when Ryan Hardie calmly slotted home a penalty after a handball by Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott.
Liverpool’s Gamble Backfires
With a crucial Merseyside derby against Everton looming, Liverpool manager Arne Slot made significant rotations, resting key players, a decision that proved costly. The Reds lacked sharpness in attack, managing just one shot on target in the first half, thanks to a speculative long-range effort from James McConnell, which was comfortably saved by Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard.
Defensive Heroics Secure Plymouth’s Victory
Plymouth’s backline, led by a towering display from Nikola Katic, who registered 11 headed clearances, stood firm against Liverpool’s late onslaught. Hazard, the man of the match, produced a series of outstanding saves, including a last-minute denial of Diogo Jota, to preserve his side’s slender lead.
A Historic FA Cup Giant-Killing
This victory marks one of the most remarkable upsets in FA Cup history, making Plymouth the first lower-division side since Wigan Athletic’s shock win over Manchester City in 2018 to eliminate a Premier League leader.
For Liverpool, the loss not only halts their FA Cup campaign but also ends any hopes of securing a historic quadruple this season.
With little time to dwell on their disappointment, the Reds must regroup quickly ahead of their crucial clash against Everton in the Merseyside derby on February 12.
By Taiwo Olatinwo| February 9, 2025
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