In a surprising turn of events, Plymouth Argyle pulled off a remarkable 1-0 victory over Premier League giants Liverpool in the FA Cup, delivering a harsh lesson to Liverpool's new manager, Arne Slot. The match took place at Home Park, where the bottom-ranked Championship side showcased their resilience against the league leaders. This stunning result serves as a testament to the enduring magic of the FA Cup, proving that no team is invincible.

Liverpool, who had recently secured a place in the Carabao Cup final, made the controversial decision to field a significantly altered squad, making ten changes from their last match. This strategy backfired, as the team struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Plymouth side, bolstered by the energy of their passionate home fans. The lone goal of the match came in the 52nd minute from Ryan Hardie, who converted a penalty following a handball by Liverpool's Harvey Elliott. Despite having key players like Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota on the pitch, Liverpool's performance was lackluster, leading to questions about their commitment to the FA Cup.

The defeat marks a significant moment in Liverpool's season, as it is the first time since January 1984 that they have been eliminated from the FA Cup by a lower-league side while sitting atop the Premier League. Post-match, Slot acknowledged Plymouth's effective game plan and credited their performance, noting that Liverpool's side did not execute as expected. This loss not only highlights the unpredictability of cup competitions but also raises concerns for Liverpool as they prepare for future fixtures while grappling with the ramifications of this surprising exit.