League Two underdogs Plymouth Argyle delivered one of the FA Cup's biggest shocks in recent history, toppling Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park. Ryan Hardie's 53rd-minute penalty sealed the Red's fate, ending their quest for an unprecedented quadruple trophy haul this season.
Liverpool's heavily rotated squad – missing stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk ahead of Wednesday's Merseyside derby – managed only one on-target shot in the first half. Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Harding emerged as the match hero, making crucial saves against Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez in stoppage time.
'We came here with a dream and we've done it,' Hardie told ITV. 'When that penalty came, I just committed to my side.'
The Championship's bottom club grew into the game after Joe Gomez's early injury disrupted Liverpool's rhythm. Despite late pressure, Arne Slot's side couldn't breach Plymouth's resolute defense, suffering only their fourth defeat across all competitions this season.
This result reshapes the English football narrative, proving no lead is safe in cup competitions. As Liverpool refocus on league and European ambitions, Plymouth's giant-killing moment will inspire underdog stories worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
