In a stunning FA Cup fourth-round upset on February 9, 2025, Plymouth Argyle defeated Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park. Ryan Hardie secured the victory with a 53rd-minute penalty following a handball by Harvey Elliott.
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, made ten changes to the starting lineup, resting key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk ahead of the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton. This decision backfired as the team struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.
Plymouth’s goalkeeper, Conor Hazard, delivered an exceptional performance, making crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet. Defender Nikola Katic also played a pivotal role, contributing 11 headed clearances. His post-match interview garnered attention when he expressed his elation with explicit language, prompting an apology from the broadcaster.
This victory propels Plymouth Argyle, currently at the bottom of the Championship, into the fifth round of the FA Cup, marking one of the most memorable moments in the club’s history.
Plymouth Argyle Stun Liverpool with Historic FA Cup Victory
In a major FA Cup fourth-round upset, Plymouth Argyle shocked Premier League giants Liverpool with a 1-0 victoryat Home Park on February 9, 2025. The Championship side, struggling at the bottom of their league, produced a memorable performance to knock out one of England’s biggest clubs.
Ryan Hardie’s Penalty Seals the Win
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Ryan Hardie stepped up to convert a penalty after Harvey Elliottwas penalized for handball inside the box. The Scottish striker held his nerve, sending Liverpool’s goalkeeper the wrong way to send the Home Park crowd into a frenzy.
Liverpool’s Second-String Squad Fails to Deliver
With Liverpool competing in multiple competitions, manager Arne Slot made ten changes to his usual starting lineup, resting key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the upcoming Merseyside Derby against Everton. This decision ultimately proved costly, as the younger, less experienced squad struggled to break down a determined Plymouth defense.
Heroic Defensive Display from Plymouth
Despite dominating possession, Liverpool failed to create clear-cut chances, thanks to a solid defensive performancefrom Plymouth. Standout performances included:
- Goalkeeper Conor Hazard, who made crucial saves to deny Liverpool’s forwards.
- Defender Nikola Katic, who recorded 11 headed clearances and led the backline with immense composure.
Katic’s post-match interview became a talking point after he let slip an explicit celebration on live TV, prompting a swift apology from the broadcaster.
A Famous Victory for Plymouth
This win is one of Plymouth’s greatest moments in FA Cup history, proving that cup magic is still alive. The club, currently fighting relegation in the Championship, will now advance to the fifth round, hoping to continue their dream run.
For Liverpool, this result raises questions about squad depth and tactical decisions, especially as they chase multiple trophies this season.
What’s Next?
- Plymouth will await their next FA Cup opponent in the fifth-round draw.
- Liverpool must regroup quickly as they face rivals Everton in a crucial Premier League match.
This shocking result proves once again: anything can happen in the FA Cup.
