Plymouth 1-0 Liverpool: Three Key Takeaways as FA Cup Rotation Backfires on Arne Slot

Liverpool’s FA Cup campaign came to a shocking end as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle. Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty sealed a famous victory for the hosts, while Joe Gomez’s early injury added to Liverpool’s woes.

How the Game Unfolded

With ten changes to his starting lineup, Arne Slot’s Liverpool struggled to find rhythm. The situation worsened when Joe Gomez picked up an injury just nine minutes in, forcing an early reshuffle.

Despite controlling possession, Liverpool found it difficult to break down Plymouth’s well-organized defense. The best chance of the first half came from James McConnell, whose long-range effort was deflected on target. Plymouth, on the other hand, felt hard done by when Mustapha Bundu was brought down by Kostas Tsimikas in the box, but their penalty appeals were waved away.

Early in the second half, Plymouth finally got their penalty. Harvey Elliott, in an attempt to block a pass, raised his arms too high and was penalized for handling the ball. Ryan Hardie stepped up and coolly sent Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way.

Plymouth nearly doubled their lead when Hardie struck the post, but as the game wore on, they focused on defending. Liverpool piled on the pressure in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Conor Hazard produced two outstanding saves to deny Diogo Jota and Jarell Quansah, securing a historic FA Cup upset.

Liverpool’s Second String Fails to Deliver

This was far from the dominant Liverpool side that has impressed in the Premier League and Champions League this season. However, even with heavy rotation, the Reds should have been able to overcome a team struggling at the bottom of England’s second tier.

The attacking trio of Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz failed to live up to expectations, contributing little to Liverpool’s attacking play. Youngsters in the squad were looking for a learning experience, but it was the senior players who ultimately let them down.

Slot’s Rotation Gamble Backfires

With Wednesday’s Merseyside derby approaching, Arne Slot made it clear where his priorities lay by fielding a heavily rotated side. Star players such as Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo were all left out of the squad.

Slot had placed his faith in his backup players, but that decision has now cost Liverpool a shot at FA Cup glory. The loss to a team that has conceded 63 goals in 30 Championship games this season raises serious questions about squad depth.

Joe Gomez Suffers Another Injury Setback

Joe Gomez’s return from a hamstring injury lasted just nine minutes before he was forced off the pitch. The defender’s discomfort was evident from the start, and after an awkward clearance, he signaled to the bench that he could not continue.

With Liverpool’s defensive options already stretched thin, Gomez’s setback puts further pressure on Van Dijk and Konate to stay fit, especially ahead of the crucial Merseyside derby.

How Will Liverpool Respond Against Everton?

The FA Cup exit is a bitter pill to swallow, but Liverpool must now shift focus to their Premier League clash against Everton. Will Slot’s key players return and deliver a strong response at Goodison Park?

What are your thoughts on Liverpool’s FA Cup elimination? Should Slot have fielded a stronger team? Let us know in the comments!