Liverpool traveled to Home Park for their FA Cup fourth-round clash against Plymouth Argyle, hoping to continue their dream season. However, in a thrilling encounter, the Reds were stunned by a 1-0 defeat, which fans have labeled as one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.
Fielding a rotated squad but still featuring key players like Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa, Liverpool started strong. Yet, despite dominating possession, they only managed one shot on target in the first half and couldn’t break down Plymouth’s resolute defense. The shocking moment came in the second half when Plymouth capitalized on a mistake.
In the 56th minute, Darko Gyabi controlled the ball inside the box, and Harvey Elliott was adjudged to have handled it. Plymouth’s Ryan Hardie stepped up to convert the penalty, giving the home side the lead. Liverpool pushed for an equalizer, but Plymouth’s goalkeeper Conor Hazard was the hero of the match, pulling off a series of crucial saves, including a standout performance in stoppage time.
Plymouth Argyle, currently struggling near the bottom of the EFL Championship (England’s second division), handed Liverpool only their fourth defeat in 38 games this season. Despite excelling in the Premier League, Champions League, and reaching the final of the Carabao Cup, Liverpool’s dreams of a quadruple were dashed by this shock result.
Biggest FA Cup Upsets
While Liverpool’s defeat to Plymouth came as a surprise, it’s not the first time a Premier League giant has been knocked out by a lower-division side in the early stages of the FA Cup. Here are some other notable FA Cup upsets:
- Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City (third division) – FA Cup 4th round, January 2015.
- Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic (Premier League relegated) – FA Cup final, May 2013.
- Stevenage (4th division) 3-1 Newcastle United – FA Cup 3rd round, January 2011.
- Stoke City 2-3 Blyth Spartans (non-league) – FA Cup 4th round, February 1978.
- Sunderland (2nd division) 1-0 Leeds United – FA Cup final, May 1973.
- Wrexham United (4th division) 2-1 Arsenal – FA Cup 3rd round, January 1992.
- Hereford United (non-league) 2-1 Newcastle Utd – FA Cup 3rd round replay, February 1972.
Despite their recent setback, Liverpool will look to bounce back and continue their pursuit of silverware on other fronts. As for Plymouth Argyle, this historic victory will be a moment they cherish for years to come.
