Plymouth 1-0 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Young Reds Crash Out of the FA Cup

Liverpool suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Championship bottom side Plymouth Argyle, ending their FA Cup run in disappointing fashion. Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty proved decisive as a rotated Liverpool side struggled to make an impact.

Match Recap

Arne Slot’s decision to field a heavily rotated squad backfired as Liverpool failed to find their rhythm. Joe Gomez’s early injury further disrupted the Reds, while Plymouth defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counter.

The defining moment came in the 52nd minute when Harvey Elliott conceded a penalty for a clear handball. Hardie confidently converted, giving Plymouth a lead they never relinquished.

Liverpool pushed for an equalizer, but Plymouth’s backline stood firm. Matthew Sorinola’s heroic block denied Luis Diaz, while goalkeeper Conor Hazard made two outstanding saves in stoppage time to deny Diogo Jota and Jarell Quansah.

Plymouth Player Ratings (3-4-2-1)

Conor Hazard (GK) – 7.3
Made crucial saves, particularly in stoppage time, to secure the upset.

Maksym Talovierov (CB) – 7.5
Strong defensive presence, winning key duels against Liverpool’s attackers.

Nikola Katic (CB) – 7.8
Outstanding performance at the heart of the defense, leading Plymouth’s resistance.

Julio Pleguezuelo (CB) – 7.1
Disciplined and composed, helped keep Liverpool’s attack at bay.

Matthew Sorinola (RM) – 6.8
Vital last-ditch block to deny Diaz, solid defensive effort throughout.

Adam Randell (CM) – 6.9
Kept things ticking in midfield, worked hard defensively.

Darko Gyabi (CM) – 7.3
Energetic and disciplined, broke up Liverpool’s play effectively.

Tymoteusz Puchacz (LM) – 6.9
Contributed both defensively and offensively down the flank.

Callum Wright (AM) – 7.4
Lively throughout, linked up play well in attack.

Ryan Hardie (AM) – 7.6
Scored the winning penalty and was a constant threat on the break.

Mustapha Bundu (ST) – 6.0
Struggled to make an impact but worked hard off the ball.

Substitutes:

• Victor Palsson (66′ for Pleguezuelo) – 6.2
• Malachi Boateng (72′ for Randell) – 6.1
• Muhamed Tijani (72′ for Bundu) – 6.2
• Michael Obafemi (81′ for Hardie) – 6.0

Unused subs: Daniel Grimshaw (GK), Bali Mumba, Jordan Houghton, Rami Al Hajj, Michael Baidoo.

Liverpool Player Ratings (4-3-3)

Caoimhin Kelleher (GK) – 6.2
Couldn’t do much about the penalty, had little else to deal with.

James McConnell (RB) – 7.6
One of Liverpool’s brightest performers, worked hard defensively and in attack.

Jarell Quansah (CB) – 7.2
Solid performance, unlucky not to score in stoppage time.

Joe Gomez (CB) – 6.6
Forced off injured early, leaving Liverpool short at the back.

Kostas Tsimikas (LB) – 7.8
Energetic down the left, put in dangerous crosses but lacked end product.

Wataru Endo (DM) – 7.4
Battled well in midfield, tried to control the tempo.

Harvey Elliott (CM) – 6.5
His handball proved costly, struggled to influence the game.

Trey Nyoni (CM) – 6.9
Showed promise but lacked the experience to take control.

Federico Chiesa (RW) – 6.0
Anonymous for large parts of the game, failed to make an impact.

Diogo Jota (ST) – 6.0
Had two late chances saved but was largely ineffective.

Luis Diaz (LW) – 6.8
Lively but lacked the final touch, denied by a great block from Sorinola.

Substitutes:

• Isaac Mabaya (10′ for Gomez) – 5.9
• Darwin Nunez (58′ for Mabaya) – 6.0
• Trent Kone-Doherty (76′ for Nyoni) – 6.5

Unused subs: Vitezslav Jaros (GK), Amara Nallo, James Norris, Curtis Jones, Ranel Young, Rio Ngumoha.

Player of the Match – Nikola Katic (Plymouth)

Katic led Plymouth’s defensive masterclass, making crucial interceptions and keeping Liverpool’s attack at bay. His composure and leadership were key to securing the victory.

What’s Next for Liverpool?

This defeat will undoubtedly sting for Arne Slot’s side, but they must quickly turn their attention to the Merseyside derby against Everton. Can Liverpool bounce back from this setback and maintain their strong Premier League form?

What do you think of Liverpool’s performance? Should Slot have played a stronger team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!