Liverpool Knocked Out of FA Cup After Being Defeated by Plymouth Argyle
Liverpool suffered a stunning 1-0 defeat at the hands of Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup 2024/2025. Despite dominating possession with 76% of the ball, Arne Slot’s side failed to break down a resilient Plymouth defense and ultimately paid the price for their inefficiency in front of goal. The result marked one of the biggest upsets of this season’s FA Cup, sending shockwaves through English football.
The match, held at Home Park, saw Liverpool fielding a strong lineup, with key players such as Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Alexis Mac Allister starting. From the outset, the Reds took control of possession, dictating the tempo of the game. However, their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved to be their downfall as they struggled to convert dominance into clear goal-scoring opportunities.
Plymouth, on the other hand, executed their game plan to perfection. Under the guidance of manager Ian Foster, the League One side defended resolutely and looked to exploit Liverpool on the counterattack. Their patience paid off in the 73rd minute when a swift break resulted in a goal from striker Ryan Hardie. The forward capitalized on a defensive lapse by Liverpool, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Alisson Becker to send the home crowd into raptures.
Liverpool responded by throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. Slot introduced fresh attacking options, bringing on Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz to add more firepower. Despite their efforts, Plymouth's disciplined defensive structure held firm, frustrating the Premier League giants at every turn.
The final whistle blew, confirming Liverpool’s early exit from the competition. It was a bitterly disappointing result for the Reds, who had been hoping to challenge on multiple fronts this season. The defeat also raised questions about their ability to break down deep-lying defenses, an issue that has plagued them in recent fixtures.
For Plymouth, the victory was historic. The League One side’s triumph over Liverpool is among the greatest moments in their club’s history. Foster praised his players for their determination and tactical discipline, highlighting their ability to execute the game plan against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Liverpool’s elimination from the FA Cup adds further pressure on Slot, who has already been under scrutiny following inconsistent performances in the Premier League. With the Champions League and domestic league still in their sights, the Reds must regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks in their campaign.
Meanwhile, Plymouth advances to the fifth round, where they will await their next opponent. The victory has injected confidence into the squad, and fans will be dreaming of an extended cup run. The magic of the FA Cup was once again on full display, proving why it remains one of the most unpredictable and thrilling competitions in football.
As for Liverpool, the inquest into their shock defeat has already begun. Questions will be asked about team selection, tactical approach, and the overall performance. Slot and his players will need to respond emphatically in their upcoming matches to silence the critics and refocus on their remaining objectives this season.
