Sun Feb 09 20:15:15 UTC 2025: **FA Cup Upsets: Plymouth Argyle Stun Liverpool, Wolves Advance**
PLYMOUTH, England – In a stunning upset, Championship side Plymouth Argyle defeated Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday. Ryan Hardie’s penalty, awarded after a handball by Harvey Elliott, proved the difference in a match where Argyle, despite possessing only 25% of the possession, outperformed Liverpool in expected goals (xG). Argyle goalkeeper Conor Hazard made crucial late saves to preserve the clean sheet, a remarkable feat considering Plymouth’s league-worst defensive record. This victory marks the first time a lower-division team has eliminated the top Premier League team since 2018 and Liverpool’s first such FA Cup exit while atop the table in 41 years. Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who made ten changes to his starting lineup, conceded that his team had a poor day, while praising Plymouth’s performance.
Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their place in the fifth round with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers. Goals from Joao Gomes and Matheus Cunha, who recently signed a new contract, sealed the win. Cunha’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he became the first player across Europe’s top five leagues to register five or more shots on target and five or more tackles in a single match.
Other fourth-round results saw Aston Villa defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1. The remaining matches, Doncaster Rovers vs. Crystal Palace and Exeter City vs. Nottingham Forest, are yet to be played. The fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, with matches scheduled for the weekend of March 1st and 2nd.
First Piper 