Jurgen Klopp's kids held at home by League Two Plymouth
Updated 09/01/2017 at 09:08 GMT
FA Cup third round, Anfield - Liverpool 0 Plymouth Argyle 0
Liverpool’s youngest ever starting XI failed to break down an obdurate Plymouth defence as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the third round of the FA Cup.
Jurgen Klopp made 10 changes from the side that played Sunderland and fielded the Reds’ youngest ever side, with an average age of 21.
It only seemed a matter of time before Liverpool would break through but the visitors soaked up wave after wave of attacks whilst conceding 80% of possession in the first half.
In truth, Liverpool created few clear cut chances despite their dominance and even the introduction of Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino failed to unlock the Pilgrims’ defence.
Their failure to score means that they will now have to travel down to a Plymouth side who joined Manchester United in preventing Liverpool from scoring at Anfield this season.
Plymouth will have to face them without Gary Miller, however, as he suffered a nasty looking injury after landing badly on his ankle.
TALKING POINT
Lack of creative spark thwarts Liverpool. It may have been a case of Plymouth parking the bus but Liverpool managed only four shots on target despite their dominance in possession. Was Jurgen Klopp right to rotate his squad and play such a young team? It gives them a horrendous fixture pile-up as a result in January.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Graham Carey (Plymouth): Close between the excellent Kevin Stewart and Carey but the latter edges it for his commitment and work rate to a mission accomplished.
PLAYER RATINGS
Liverpool: Karius 6, Alexander-Arnold 6, Gomez 6, Lucas 6, Moreno 6, Stewart 8, Can 6, Ejaria 7, Ojo 6, Woodburn 6, Origi 6. Subs: Lallana 6, Firmino 6, Sturridge 7.
Plymouth: McCormick 7, Miller 7, Sonogo’o 6, Bradley 6, Purrington 6, Threlkeld 6, Fox 6, Jervis 7, Carey 8, Slew 7, Garita 6. Subs: Smith 6, Tanner 7.
KEY MOMENTS
14’ – OJO SHOULD SCORE: Can hits it and Bradley gets a good block on it. It goes back into the box and it’s a great chance for Ojo but he mistimes his header straight into the floor!
17’ – CHANCE LIVERPOOL: Can sets up Woodburn in the box but his shot is well blocked by McCormick, making himself big.
21’ - GOAL RULED OUT! Origi has the ball in the back of the net but he’s penalised for a foul on Miller. Seen them given.
79’ – PLYMOUTH CLOSE: Carey sends Tanner on his way and but for a crucial tackle from Stewart, he was in!
KEY STATS:
This was the first FA Cup meeting between Liverpool and Plymouth - they last met in a fixture of any kind in April 1962, when they played in a second tier fixture at Home Park.
At Anfield, Liverpool haven't conceded a goal in FA Cup competition since March 2012 against Stoke (five consecutive clean sheets since).
THE MATCH IN A TWEET
Join 3M+ users on app
Download
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article