In a stunning FA Cup upset, bottom-placed Championship side Plymouth created a sensational 1-0 defeat of Liverpool at Home Park, ending the Premier League leader’s dream of four major trophies this season.
The Sunday encounter saw Ryan Hardie convert a decisive penalty kick in the 53rd minute after Harvey Elliott handled the ball in the area.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot opted to make substantial changes to his starting lineup, with only one player retained from Thursday’s 4-0 victory against Tottenham in the League Cup semi-final. Despite fielding attacking talents Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa, the visitors struggled to break down Plymouth’s determined defence.
The hosts, currently positioned at the bottom of the Championship table, built upon their previous FA Cup success against Brentford to eliminate another Premier League opponent. Goalkeeper Connor Hazard performed admirably, producing two critical saves in the closing stages to deny both Jota and Jarell Quansah.
The introduction of Darwin Nunez from the substitute bench failed to alter the outcome, with Plymouth maintaining their defensive organisation throughout nine minutes of additional time. The result marks only the fourth defeat for Liverpool under Slot’s management across 38 matches in all competitions.
Plymouth’s victory propels them into the fifth round of the FA Cup, representing one of the competition’s most notable upsets. The outcome continues the enduring appeal of England’s premier cup competition, where teams from lower divisions have the chance to triumph against more established English Premier League opposition.
