Liverpool travelled over 250 miles as they went to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle in their FA Cup 3rd round replay. The latter had held the Reds to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Anfield and were hoping for a major upset, which however did not happen.
A goal in the 19th minute from Liverpool which came off the head of the most unlikely outfield player to score turned out to be the eventual winner, as Klopp’s men emerged victorious in a surprisingly close game.
A missed penalty and a few missed chances were the highlights alongside the goal in a semi-exciting FA Cup tie.
Here are the main talking points of this game:
#1 A goal to remember for Lucas Leiva
Yes, you read that right. After 201 appearances and 2316 days, Liverpool’s current longest serving first team player headed in a Philippe Coutinho corner and miraculously, scored.
It was an almost unbelievable moment as the Brazilian had not found the back of the net for over six years and no Liverpool fan ever thought that it would happen again. Overall, it was only Lucas’ seventh goal of his Liverpool career and was a feel good moment for him and the travelling fans as they saw one of their club’s biggest servants smile from cheek to cheek with delight.
The goal turned out to be massively important as it would turn out to be the only goal scored in the game.
#2 A win for the youth and a debut for Harry Wilson
While Liverpool fielded more senior players this time around in the form of Coutinho and Sturridge, youngsters like Joe Gomez and Ben Woodburn did start the game again, and this time, they turned out on the winning side with their positive performances.
Woodburn was lively for the most part of the game and despite lacking that final ball and touch, the teenager had a good game. He would be hoping to get some time in the next round too. Gomez continued his good form post-injury as he looked solid.
19-year-old Harry Wilson made his senior debut as he replaced Sturridge in the 65th minute, and it was a good moment for the teenager who nearly scored due to the keeper’s mistake.
Klopp has often shown that he’s willing to trust his youth and the signs are good for the academy.
#3 So close, yet so far for Plymouth
Take nothing away from the hosts who played their hearts out the entire game. The stadium was no Anfield but the fans were as passionate as the ones back in Liverpool and the atmosphere throughout was brilliant.
Plymouth gave Liverpool a tough fight and the latter’s defence was almost caught out at times. The fourth tier side came close thrice but Trent-Alexander Arnold and Lloris Karius saved Liverpool the blushes. The hosts defended brilliantly as well and gave the Reds nothing to work with, with goalkeeper McCormick saving a Divock Origi penalty.
Argyle will go out with their heads held high and will be looking towards promotion as they currently sit second place in their division.
#4 A poor day for the Liverpool attack
Daniel Sturridge, on his day, is one of the top strikers in the league and Divock Origi is one of the most talented forwards in England, but both of Liverpool’s forwards were lacklustre in a game they should have put to bed long ago.
It has been a massively disappointing season for Sturridge as he has failed to get on the scoresheet often, looks disinterested and out of touch. He was subbed off in the 65th minute for the debutant, Wilson and departed the field with a frustrated look on his face.
While Origi was livelier than his teammate, he missed a penalty in the dying minutes of the game with a very poor effort. He could not muster a proper shot throughout otherwise, and he would not be too happy with his game either.
Liverpool have scored only five goals in their last six games and two in their last four - both of which came from dead ball situations. With the League Cup semi-final second leg on the horizon and Chelsea visiting Anfield soon, this is something Klopp will definitely want to look into.
#5 The winless run comes to an end
Liverpool had gone four games without winning prior to this replay – their longest winless run this season. Liverpool have a one-goal deficit heading into the second leg of the League Cup semi-finals and have dropped to third position in the league table.
Fans will heave a sigh of relief after their team finally won a game and even though it was a highly unconvincing performance, it was a win nevertheless.
The Reds face three of the current top 5 teams in the next five weeks and alongside the better performance at Old Trafford, a victory was much needed. The Reds now head into their most demanding set of fixtures since the opening few weeks of the season.
Klopp and co. will now be looking to beat Southampton and reach the league cup finals, and will be hoping that things start falling into place soon.
