Liverpool Dumped Out of FA Cup by Championship Side Plymouth
Liverpool’s ambitions of securing a historic treble came to a shocking end on Sunday afternoon as Arne Slot’s side suffered an unexpected FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle.
The Premier League leaders, despite making wholesale changes to their lineup, were outplayed and outfought by a determined Plymouth team. The decisive moment came when Ryan Hardie calmly slotted home a penalty after Harvey Elliott’s inexplicable handball inside the box.
While Hardie could have doubled the lead, striking the post instead, Liverpool never mounted a genuine comeback. Despite their superior talent, they struggled to break down Plymouth’s well-organized defense. With key players such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Alexis Mac Allister left out of the squad, the Reds lacked both leadership and creativity.
It was a flat, uninspired performance, and while the loss won’t define Liverpool’s season, certain players may have done irreversible damage to their standing in Slot’s plans. As the club eyes a squad overhaul in the summer, three individuals in particular must be feeling the pressure after their dismal displays.
1. Federico Chiesa – A Nightmare Display in a Crucial Opportunity
When trying to establish yourself in new surroundings, every opportunity matters. Unfortunately for Federico Chiesa, this was a horror-show performance that will do little to improve his chances of earning more minutes under Arne Slot.
Once regarded as one of the brightest talents in Europe, injuries have taken their toll on Chiesa. However, even with that context, his performance against Plymouth was shockingly poor. The Italian international, who was once the hero of Euro 2020, showed none of the dynamism, creativity, or composure that made him a household name.
Liverpool, desperate for a moment of magic, frequently pumped balls into the box, hoping for a spark. But Chiesa was nowhere to be seen. His decision-making was off, his passing was erratic, and his movement was almost non-existent. While Luis Diaz was also below par on the opposite flank, Chiesa’s anonymity was particularly glaring.
For a player of his quality, this was a missed chance to impress. If he continues to perform at this level, he may find himself on the fringes of the squad sooner rather than later.
2. Diogo Jota – A Shadow of His Former Self
There has been speculation that Diogo Jota could be allowed to leave Liverpool in the summer if a suitable offer arrives. If he keeps playing like he did against Plymouth, those bids will be welcomed with open arms.
Jota has long been a player known for stretching defenses with his intelligent movement and sharp finishing. However, injuries seem to have blunted his explosiveness, forcing him to alter his style of play. Instead of making incisive runs in behind, he now drops deeper, relying on his ability in tight spaces. The problem? That adjustment simply isn’t working.
Plymouth’s defenders had no problem handling him. Jota’s movements were predictable, his passing was sloppy, and he lost the ball an astonishing 11 times. A pass completion rate of just 39% is unacceptable at any level, let alone for a player leading the line for Liverpool.
Slot demands intensity and efficiency from his attackers. Jota provided neither, and if this trend continues, his future at Anfield will be in serious jeopardy.
3. Harvey Elliott – A Costly Mistake in a Poor Performance
Harvey Elliott has been vocal about his ambition to establish himself as a Liverpool regular. But performances like this won’t help his cause.
To stake a claim for a starting spot, Elliott needs to take charge of games, especially in cup ties where some of the more established stars are rested. Instead, he was a passenger, contributing little in attack while making a game-defining error in defense.
His expected goals (xG) of 0.02 and expected assists (xA) of 0.04 highlight just how ineffective he was in the final third. More concerning was his inexplicable handball inside the box, which handed Plymouth their match-winning penalty. Why he raised his arms in such a dangerous position remains a mystery.
Elliott undoubtedly has talent, but consistency remains an issue. Liverpool’s midfield is stacked with quality, and if he doesn’t step up soon, he risks being left behind.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Liverpool’s Fringe Players
Liverpool’s season is far from over, but this FA Cup defeat serves as a stark reminder that their squad depth isn’t as strong as it needs to be. While the likes of Salah, Van Dijk, and Mac Allister were rested, those given an opportunity to impress fell flat.
For Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, and Harvey Elliott, this was a night to forget. With the summer transfer window looming, they must improve dramatically if they want to be part of Liverpool’s long-term plans.
This shocking loss to Plymouth may soon be forgotten, but Slot will surely remember who let him down when it mattered most.
