Postmortem: Plymouth Secure Famous FA Cup win over Liverpool | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle 1 – 0 Liverpool – The FA Cup 4th Round Postmortem

This was a game that was seen as a chance to rest key first-team assets, whilst handing out valuable game time to the Liverpool players in need of playing time or experience. The ultimate goal of the Reds head coach, Arne Slot, was clearly to attempt progression through calculated risks, however, the occasion and the passion of the hosts deservedly say Plymouth Argyle achieved the biggest giant killing in recent memory, as they overcame the Anfield giants

Below is how the team lined up, with match details following.

The Starting Eleven

Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endō, Kostas Tsimikas, James McConnell, Harvey Elliott, Trey Nyoni, Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa

Photo: IMAGO

Subs

Isaac Mabaya – Joe Gomez (11 mins)

Darwin Núñez – Isaac Mabaya (58 mins)

Trent Kone-Doherty – Trey Nyoni (76 mins)

Goals (Assisted by)

Plymouth Argyle 1 – 0 Liverpool

Ryan Hardie (Penalty) – 53 mins

Important Match Stats

Possession: Plymouth Argyle 21% – 79% Liverpool

XG: Plymouth Argyle 1.23 – 1.00 Liverpool

Total Shots: Plymouth Argyle 4 – 8 Liverpool

Corner Kicks : Plymouth Argyle 4 – 6 Liverpool

Fouls: Plymouth Argyle 9 – 7 Liverpool

Goalkeeper Saves: Plymouth Argyle 4 – 1 Liverpool

The First Half

The opening period of the game was a loud and intense spectacle, as the Championship’s bottom-placed side used this tournament to forget their league form and likely relegation to League One. Ryan Hardie was the first to test the Liverpool backline, as the hosts’ direct style and stoic defensive group became a common theme in this intriguing cup tie at Home Park. Hardie was able to run onto a lofted ball forward; however, his shot was blocked, and the game continued amidst a roar from the Pilgrims’ support.

It would be at eleven minutes that an innocuous moment occurred for the visiting side, as their captain for the day, Joe Gomez, pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Post-game indications suggested that a tear was averted and that medical protocols, which require any injured player to leave the pitch immediately, would prevent a long-term complaint.

As the Premier League leaders struggled to find rhythm within the intimidating setting and difficult playing surface, the home side’s efforts to settle in and counterattack with high balls—against a team not built to cope comfortably with such tactics—resulted in very limited chances. A combination of indecision between Kostad Tsimikas and Jarell Quansah nearly created a shooting opportunity or penalty appeal for the Greens, until Caoimhin Kelleher scrambled from his line to collect the ball.

In a first half where Liverpool offered very little offensive output or control to create clear-cut chances, the half ended with the scoreline at 0-0, leaving the game very much in the balance for the FA Cup.

The Second Half

At the start of the second half, the Liverpool head coach made no additional changes, as the bench was limited to only one senior player, Darwin Núñez. The choice to leave more than ten first-team players on Merseyside indicated the importance of this game to Arne Slot. However, this could not be said of the gallant men in green, who were determined to upset the Reds with a giant killing in the fourth round.

Just a few minutes into the second half, a long throw by Argyle was nodded on, and the resulting scramble allowed an attempted shot from the edge of the eighteen-yard box. This shot was deflected by the outstretched arm of Harvey Elliott, who was positioned just inside his area. The penalty appeal was immediate and effective, as the home support called for a spot kick to open the scoring. Ryan Hardie, with a fine record of eight successful penalties from nine taken, expertly slotted this one into the net, sending the crowd into delirium.

As the game progressed and the result started to look more like a home win, Plymouth hit the post with a low shot while indecision continued to engulf Liverpool’s backline. Only Wataru Endo showed the ability and experience to take on a match that was becoming more of a battle than their usual style. The front three of Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, and Luis Díaz had been entirely ineffective, leading to the introduction of Darwin Núñez, who would be tasked with rescuing the tie until the end of the game.

In a tremendous finish, Luis Díaz had a shot blocked, James McConnell missed the target with a gilt-edged chance, and Darwin Núñez first had a wayward shot and then a brilliant header saved, thwarting Liverpool’s advances. Diogo Jota also had a brilliant shot tipped onto the crossbar. In a fierce performance full of courage, Plymouth Argyle prevailed as worthy winners in the FA Cup, against all odds.

Post-Match Verdict

Arne Slot seemed unfazed by his team’s elimination from the FA Cup, a circumstance created by Liverpool’s charge to win the Premier League, Champions League, and EFL Cup. The only real concern was the worrying injury sustained by Joe Gomez, with his early substitution hopefully more precautionary than reactionary.

Given that numerous first-team players were left on Merseyside, it indicates that the upcoming game against Everton on Wednesday night will be the main focus for all, a match that must now be won.

Pre-match Prediction;

Plymouth Argyle 1 – 3 Liverpool

Steven Smith