Liverpool's Quadruple Dream Ends with Shock FA Cup Defeat to Plymouth

2025-03-01

Liverpool’s hopes of securing a historic quadruple this season were dashed on Sunday as they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round. The Reds, who had recently booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a dominant 4-0 win over Tottenham, were undone by a second-half penalty from Ryan Hardie at Home Park.

Arne Slot’s side made nine changes to their starting lineup, with key players rested ahead of a busy schedule. However, the decision to rotate backfired as Harvey Elliott’s handball in the box gifted Plymouth the decisive moment. Hardie, who had previously missed a crucial penalty against Chelsea in the FA Cup four years ago, made no mistake this time, sending Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way to spark jubilant scenes among the home fans.

Despite late pressure from Liverpool, including chances for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard produced a series of stunning saves to preserve the lead. The Championship strugglers held firm during nine minutes of added time to secure a famous victory, knocking out the Premier League leaders in what will be remembered as one of the competition’s greatest upsets.

Slot admitted his side struggled to create clear opportunities, praising Plymouth’s defensive organisation and intensity. “They deserved it,” he said. “We didn’t create many chances, and in a game like this, it’s decided by one moment. That moment was theirs.”

Plymouth’s manager, Miron Muslic, hailed his team’s resilience and passion, describing the win as a “magical” moment for the club. The result marks only the fourth time a Premier League leader has been eliminated from the FA Cup by a team outside the top flight.

Liverpool now turn their attention to a Merseyside derby against Everton on Wednesday, while Plymouth will look to build on their historic triumph when they host Millwall in the Championship. The FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, with Plymouth eagerly awaiting their next opponents.