Liverpool’s FA Cup dreams came crashing down as Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset at Home Park. The defeat in the fourth round dashed their hopes of securing a historic quadruple this season.
Head coach Arne Slot took a gamble, opting to rest key figures like Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah.
Instead, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota led the attack, but they failed to break through Plymouth’s disciplined defense.
Slot acknowledged the challenge his team faced, praising Plymouth’s approach and admitting even his regular starters might have struggled against their direct style.
He compared it to Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Anfield, where they also found it tough to counter a defensive, long-ball strategy.
“You never know what would happen with our starters,” Slot said post-match. “This game plan has been tough for them as well. Long ball, second ball—it’s a challenge for any team. We saw it against United too.
They dropped deep, sent every ball long, and we had the same difficulties even with our first-choice lineup.”
Despite the setback, Slot defended his selection, emphasizing the need to give squad players valuable minutes as they gear up for the crucial final stretch of the season.
“Some of these players needed this game to build rhythm,” he added. “It’s important they’re ready for the last three months.”
Liverpool’s focus now shifts to their remaining three competitions. They sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with a chance to widen the gap in the Merseyside derby against Everton on Wednesday.
They also have a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle next month and a Champions League knockout campaign ahead.