In one of the most astonishing results of the season, Liverpool—Premier League leaders and Champions League contenders—were eliminated from the FA Cup by Plymouth Argyle, the bottom team in the Championship.
A second-half penalty from Ryan Hardie sealed a 1-0 victory for Plymouth, while goalkeeper Conor Hazard played the game of his life, ensuring his side held on to one of the most remarkable wins in club history.
A Lone Penalty Stuns Liverpool
Liverpool traveled to Home Park for their FA Cup fourth-round clash with a heavily rotated squad. Luis Díaz was the only regular starter in Jürgen Klopp’s lineup, as the Reds looked to cruise past a struggling Plymouth side.
However, football’s unpredictability struck again.
Despite Liverpool dominating possession and creating multiple chances, a moment of madness in the 53rd minute changed everything. A foul inside the box led to a penalty, and Ryan Hardie kept his nerve to send the ball past Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper.
With the lead in hand, Plymouth fought with everything they had, relying on goalkeeper Conor Hazard, who made several crucial saves to deny Liverpool an equalizer.
A Historic Triumph for Plymouth
This shocking defeat is Liverpool’s first major setback of the season, coming just three days after their Carabao Cup final qualification.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle, a club that has never played in the Premier League, achieved the greatest victory in its history—knocking out one of England’s Big Six and eliminating the current Premier League leaders from the FA Cup.
Cover photo: X (@LFC)
