Three Liverpool Stars Who Failed to Deliver in Shock FA Cup Loss to Plymouth | OneFootball

Liverpool’s FA Cup Nightmare: Three Players Who Fell Short in Plymouth Upset

Liverpool’s quest for a historic quadruple came to an abrupt and shocking halt on Sunday afternoon as Arne Slot’s side suffered a humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle. The Premier League leaders, expected to breeze past the Championship’s bottom club, delivered a performance that was both lethargic and uninspired, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the commitment and focus of several key players.

Plymouth’s Grit Outshines Liverpool’s Class

Plymouth Argyle, fighting to avoid relegation from the Championship, showed more heart and determination than their illustrious opponents. Ryan Hardie’s coolly slotted penalty, awarded after Harvey Elliott’s bizarre handball, proved decisive. Hardie nearly doubled the lead but struck the post, yet Liverpool’s lack of urgency meant Plymouth’s slender advantage was never truly threatened.

Arne Slot’s decision to rest senior stars like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Alexis Mac Allister backfired spectacularly. The much-changed Liverpool side failed to create meaningful chances, with Plymouth’s players embodying the very spirit of the FA Cup’s giant-killing tradition. This wasn’t just an upset—it was a deserved victory for the underdogs.

While Liverpool’s season will likely recover from this stumble, three players’ performances stood out for all the wrong reasons.

Photo: IMAGO

Federico Chiesa: Shadow of His Former Self

When given the chance to impress in new surroundings, it’s crucial to seize the moment. Unfortunately for Federico Chiesa, his display against Plymouth was nothing short of disastrous. The Italian winger, once a standout at Euro 2020, looked a pale imitation of his former self.

Chiesa’s performance lacked spark, creativity, and composure. As Liverpool resorted to aimless crosses into the box, hoping to break down Plymouth’s resilience, Chiesa was conspicuously absent from any meaningful action. Luis Diaz, on the opposite flank, didn’t fare much better, but Chiesa’s complete lack of influence was alarming.

With a history of injuries impacting his form, Chiesa’s struggles may be understandable, but they’re far from excusable at this level. If he hopes to cement a place in Slot’s plans, significant improvement is non-negotiable.

Photo: IMAGO

Diogo Jota: Striker Without Bite

Diogo Jota’s name has been swirling in transfer rumours, with suggestions that Liverpool might entertain offers for the Portuguese forward this summer. Performances like this one will do little to convince the club otherwise.

Once known for his ability to stretch defences and exploit spaces with blistering pace, Jota now seems a shadow of that dynamic forward. Persistent injury issues appear to have dulled his explosiveness, forcing him to adapt his game—with limited success.

Plymouth’s defenders marked Jota out of the game, winning aerial duels and stifling his movement. His performance was laboured and predictable, contributing to Liverpool’s lack of attacking threat. Perhaps most damning was his woeful passing accuracy—a mere 39% completion rate—and conceding possession 11 times. These numbers are unacceptable for any top-flight player, let alone one leading the line for a title-chasing side.

Photo: IMAGO

Harvey Elliott: From Promise to Penalty Blunder

Harvey Elliott has been vocal about his ambitions to become a Liverpool regular, convinced he has the tools to make a lasting impact from midfield. However, matches like this demand more than words—they require action, leadership, and composure. Elliott delivered none.

The 21-year-old failed to impose himself against Plymouth’s determined midfield, offering little in terms of creativity or drive. His expected goals (0.02) and expected assists (0.04) statistics paint a bleak picture of his influence in the final third.

But it was Elliott’s inexplicable handball that ultimately sealed Liverpool’s fate. Raising his hands above his head in the box, he gifted Plymouth the penalty that Ryan Hardie coolly converted. In high-stakes games, such lapses in judgement are costly—and Elliott’s mistake proved to be the turning point.

What’s Next for Liverpool?

While this FA Cup exit is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, it doesn’t define Liverpool’s season. They remain in the hunt for Premier League glory and European success. However, Arne Slot will need to reflect on the performances of his squad—particularly those who failed to rise to the occasion at Home Park.

With a squad shake-up likely in the summer, players like Chiesa, Jota, and Elliott may find themselves under increased scrutiny. For Liverpool to maintain their high standards, complacency cannot be tolerated.

One thing is certain: Plymouth’s victory will go down as one of the great FA Cup upsets, a testament to the magic of the competition and the unpredictability of football.