Plymouth Argyle have produced one of many nice FA Cup shocks, knocking out Premier League leaders Liverpool with a shocking 1-0 victory at Residence Park.
The Championship strugglers defied the percentages to eradicate Arne Slot’s aspect, ending Liverpool’s goals of a quadruple and writing a well-known new chapter of their membership’s historical past.
The decisive second got here within the 53rd minute when Ryan Hardie coolly transformed a penalty, sending the house crowd into raptures.
The spot-kick was awarded after Harvey Elliott dealt with the ball contained in the field, an incident that summed up a irritating evening for the guests.
Hardie, displaying nerves of metal, positioned his shot into the underside left nook, sending goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher the incorrect manner.
From that second on, Plymouth’s resolute defence took centre stage.
Repeatedly, Liverpool threw every little thing on the house aspect searching for an equaliser, however they discovered no well beyond the impressed Conor Hazard in aim and a defensive trio of Maksym Talovierov, Nikola Katic, and Julio Pleguezuelo.
We exit the Emirates FA Cup. pic.twitter.com/aPzWDWPusT
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 9, 2025
Each block, clearance, and interception was met with a roar from the Residence Park devoted because the underdogs held their floor.
Liverpool, regardless of having fun with the lion’s share of possession, struggled to interrupt down their well-drilled opponents.
Darwin Nunez, launched as a second-half substitute, got here shut with a late header, whereas Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz noticed efforts blocked.
Hazard produced two gorgeous saves in stoppage time, first denying Jota’s volley sure for the highest nook earlier than stopping a last-gasp header from Kelleher, who had joined the assault in desperation.
The primary half had been a scrappy affair, with Plymouth sticking to a transparent recreation plan – disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm and play at their very own tempo. Each side had probabilities, with McConnell forcing a diving save from Hazard, whereas Plymouth noticed Hardie denied by Kelleher’s outstretched foot simply earlier than the break.
As the sport wore on, nonetheless, the idea within the house aspect grew.
As the ultimate whistle blew, the Plymouth gamers and followers erupted in celebration, realizing they’d secured one of the crucial memorable wins of their membership’s historical past.
The Pilgrims have now reached the FA Cup fifth spherical for simply the fifth time, whereas Liverpool are left to mirror on a humbling exit by the hands of a aspect battling relegation within the Championship.