Liverpool’s FA Cup Dreams Sunk by Plymouth

Liverpool’s hopes of adding the Football Association (FA) Cup to their trophy cabinet were shattered by a shock 1-0 defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle on Sunday, 9 February, leaving manager Arne Slot to defend his decision to heavily rotate the squad.

With a crucial Merseyside derby and a packed fixture list ahead, Slot made ten changes, resting key players, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Despite fielding Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Federico Chiesa, the visitors failed to create clear-cut chances, recording their lowest expected goals tally under Slot.

Plymouth’s disciplined defence frustrated the Reds, and the breakthrough came in the 52nd minute, when Ryan Hardie converted a penalty after a handball from Harvey Elliott.

Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, but their opponents held firm, with goalkeeper Conor Hazard making crucial saves.

During the post-match interview, Slot acknowledged the defeat: “It hurts everyone associated with Liverpool: fans, me and the players. We all wanted to be in the FA Cup and compete for as long as possible. It is a setback.”

For Plymouth’s manager, Miron Muslic, the victory was his biggest moment in management so far. With their survival fight still ongoing, the win provides a huge morale boost.

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