In a stunning FA Cup fourth-round tie on 9th February 2025, Plymouth Argyle achieved a historic 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Home Park. This match will be remembered for Plymouth’s resilience and Liverpool’s unexpected exit from the competition.
Liverpool’s Line-up and Tactical Choices
Liverpool manager Arne Slot made several changes to his starting XI, opting to rest key players ahead of upcoming fixtures. The team lined up in a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher
Defenders: James McConnell, Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez (captain), Kostas Tsimikas
Midfielders: Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni
Forwards: Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz
An early setback occurred when Joe Gomez sustained an injury in the 11th minute, leading to the introduction of Isaac Mabaya.
Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota’s Roles
Federico Chiesa, recently integrated into the squad, started on the right wing. Despite his reputation, he struggled to make a significant impact, reflecting the team’s overall lack of cohesion. Diogo Jota, positioned centrally, also found it challenging to penetrate Plymouth’s well-organised defence.
Plymouth Argyle’s Strategy and Execution
Plymouth, managed by Miron Muslic, fielded a 3-4-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Conor Hazard
Defenders: Maksym Talovierov, Nikola Katic, Julio Pleguezuelo
Midfielders: Matthew Sorinola, Adam Randell (captain), Darko Gyabi, Tymoteusz Puchacz
Forwards: Callum Wright, Ryan Hardie, Mustapha Bundu
Their disciplined defensive approach and strategic pressing disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm. The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when a handball by Harvey Elliott resulted in a penalty, which Ryan Hardie converted confidently.
Match Highlights and Turning Points
The first half was largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Liverpool’s lack of fluency was evident, and Plymouth’s defensive solidity kept the Premier League leaders at bay.
The second half saw Plymouth capitalise on their opportunity. After taking the lead, they frustrated Liverpool, who failed to muster a meaningful response. Despite late pressure, including nine minutes of added time, Plymouth’s defence, marshalled by standout performers like Nikola Katic and Maksym Talovierov, held firm.
Post-Match Reflections
This result marks one of the most significant FA Cup upsets in recent history. Plymouth’s victory not only boosts their morale but also showcases the magic of the FA Cup, where lower-league teams can triumph against top-tier opposition. For Liverpool, this defeat serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football and the importance of maintaining focus, regardless of the opponent.
In conclusion, Plymouth Argyle’s tactical discipline and determination earned them a deserved place in the next round, while Liverpool must regroup and refocus on their remaining competitions.
