In one of the most shocking FA Cup results in history, bottom-placed Championship side Plymouth Argyle defeated Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 in their fourth-round clash at Home Park on February 9, 2025. The match-defining moment came in the 53rd minute when Ryan Hardie coolly converted a penalty after Harvey Elliott’s reckless handball inside the box.
Liverpool, who made ten changes to their squad, struggled to break down a well-organized Plymouth defense. Despite enjoying significant possession, the Merseysiders lacked creativity in the final third and failed to capitalize on key opportunities. Plymouth, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, defended resolutely and nearly doubled their lead when Hardie struck the post.
This result marks just the fourth time in FA Cup history that a top-flight league leader has been eliminated by a team positioned so far beneath them in the English football hierarchy. The defeat shatters Liverpool’s hopes of a historic quadruple, leaving Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, with serious questions to answer.
Liverpool’s Selection Gamble Backfires
Liverpool took a significant risk by making wholesale changes to their starting lineup. Only goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher retained his spot from the side that thrashed Tottenham 4-0 in midweek. The squad featured a mix of inexperienced academy graduates and fringe players, including 17-year-old Treymaurice Nyoni, who made just his second senior start, and 20-year-old James McConnell.
This lack of experience proved costly as Liverpool struggled to impose themselves on the game. Harvey Elliott, one of the few senior players on the pitch, humorously admitted before kickoff that he felt “old” among his teenage teammates. However, his night turned disastrous when his bizarre handball gifted Plymouth their decisive penalty.
Despite their dominance in possession, Liverpool’s makeshift squad lacked cohesion and struggled to break down Plymouth’s disciplined defensive setup. The decision to rest key stars such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai ultimately backfired as the Reds crashed out in humiliating fashion.
Early Setbacks and Missed Opportunities
Liverpool’s night got off to a shaky start when stand-in captain Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury in the eighth minute, handing the armband to Diogo Jota. Young right-back Isaac Mabaya replaced Gomez, adding to Liverpool’s already inexperienced backline.
Plymouth sensed an opportunity and nearly took the lead early on through Ryan Hardie, whose effort was blocked after a clever pass from Callum Wright. Nikola Katic also came close, but his flicked attempt sailed over the bar. The best chance of the first half for Liverpool came in the 35th minute when McConnell’s long-range strike forced Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard into a smart save.
Plymouth maintained their composure and continued to frustrate their Premier League opponents. Mustapha Bundu posed a threat in attack, weaving through Liverpool’s defense before being denied by Kostas Tsimikas. By halftime, it was clear that Plymouth had the belief and structure to cause an upset.
The Turning Point for Plymouth: Hardie’s Ice-Cold Penalty
Liverpool started the second half with renewed urgency, but Plymouth remained disciplined and took their chance when it arrived. In the 53rd minute, Harvey Elliott inexplicably raised both arms inside the penalty area, and when the ball struck his hand, referee Sam Barrott had no choice but to award a penalty.
Ryan Hardie stepped up and calmly sent Kelleher the wrong way, slotting his shot into the bottom left corner. Home Park erupted in celebration as Plymouth took a stunning lead over the six-time European champions.
Moments later, Plymouth nearly doubled their advantage when Katic flicked a long ball onto Hardie, whose shot rattled the post. Liverpool looked rattled, and Plymouth fans sensed history in the making. The underdogs held firm, resisting waves of Liverpool pressure while continuing to threaten on the counter.
Liverpool’s Late Surge Falls Short
In response to going behind, Liverpool manager Arne Slot introduced Darwin Núñez for Mabaya in an attempt to add more firepower. However, despite their increased attacking intent, Liverpool struggled to break down Plymouth’s resolute defense.
Matt Sorinola made a heroic intervention to deny Núñez as the Uruguayan prepared to shoot, while McConnell squandered a glorious opportunity to salvage a draw. As desperation grew, Slot made more changes, but the lack of experience in Liverpool’s attack proved decisive.
The final whistle was met with jubilant celebrations from Plymouth fans, who had just witnessed one of their club’s greatest-ever victories. For Liverpool, the defeat serves as a harsh reality check, ending their FA Cup journey and raising concerns about their squad depth.
This remarkable result reinforces the unpredictable magic of the FA Cup, proving once again that football’s oldest competition still has the power to deliver unforgettable shocks.
