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      Plymouth 1 Liverpool 0: Prem leaders OUT of FA Cup as rock bottom club cause shock seen for just fourth time in history

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      RYAN HARDIE left Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Quad in tatters by firing home a 53rd-minute penalty as Plymouth fans went berserk at Home Park.The Premier League leaders will rue making TEN changes and loading their bench with inexperienced kids as they deservedly crashed out of the FA Cup against the Championship’s bottom club.Ryan Hardie scored for Plymouth to cause the FA Cup upset of the roundCredit: ReutersHarvey Elliott’s inexplicable hand ball gave Plymouth a helping handCredit: RexHardie made no mistake from 12 yardsCredit: GettyIt was only the fourth time in FA Cup history the top flight leaders have been knocked out by a team outside of the top divisionCredit: ReutersHarvey Elliott, 21, should have known better than to raise both his hands above head as the ball was played into the box and took a flick off Plymouth midfielder Darko Gyabi’s head.It struck one of his hands and ref Sam Barrott pointed to the spot.Hardie banished the ghost of four years ago when he missed a penalty that would have seen Argyle take Chelsea to penalties at Stamford Bridge four years ago by sending Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way.Arne Slot has had to manage the squad this week with three games in the space of six days so rung the changes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnly keeper Kelleher kept his place from the Liverpool team that thumped Tottenham 4-0 on Thursday.Seventeeen-year-old Treymaurice Nyoni made only the second start of his senior career while James McConnell, 20, also was in the XI for the second time, having played against PSV Eindhoven in the Champoions League.Harvey Elliott, 21, joked before kick-off that he even felt old with four teenagers on the bench — including 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.There was almost a carnival atmosphere inside Home Park.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArgyle, while a League Two club, famously held Liverpool to a goalless draw in 2007Ryan Hardie had an early chance to get the hosts off to flyer after being put in by Callum Wright but his effort was charged down.Pep Guardiola preview Man City’s tasty clash against Leyton OrientThen Hardie had the beating of Joe Gomez, who was struggling early on the right flank, but Kelleher quickly smothered his cross ahead of Wright who was ready to pounce.Liverpool were dealt an early blow when captain for the day, Gomez, who has recently recovered from a hamstring injury, hobbled off and was replaced by 20-year-old Isaac Mabaya.Dioga Jota took over the captain’s armband.Plymouth’s Nikola Katic had blood pouring out of his mouth and needed treatment after colliding with a team-mate.Tymoteusz Puchacz celebrated as though he had score after a crunching tackle took the ball off Luis Diaz as the Liverpool ace was about to strike.The Merseysiders were struggling to get into their stride early on as they moved the ball too slowly against an organised Argyle shape.Liverpool knocked on the door constantly in the dying stages to avoid defeatCredit: ReutersMustapha Bundu tried to weave through the Liverpool defence but Kostas Tsimikas managed to stop him in his tracks as he was set to shoot 12 yards out.It was not until the 35th minute that a keeper had to make a save.Argyle’s Conor Hazard had to be alert to get down low to push away a 20-yard McConnell effort that took a deflection off Darko Gyabi,Gyabi missed a glorious chance to fire Plymouth in front when he got on the end of a Nikola Katic flicked effort — but blazed over from 16 yards. He should have been at least hitting the target with no real pressure on him.Slot kept things as they were for the second half and Argyle again almost snatched the lead.Wright charged forward and his angled effort from the left edge of the box was deflected wide by Mabaya.Elliott, though, handed Plymouth a gift when he incredibly held both arms above his head as a x cross came in. The ball struck him and ref Sam Barrott pointed to the spot.Hardie stepped up to send Kelleher the wrong way by shooting into the bottom left corner.Incredibly, it should have been 2-0 when Nikola Katic flicked the ball on and Hardie struck the right post.Slot promptly brought on Nunez for Mabaya as Plymouth fans cheekily chanted “You’re going to be sacked in the morning” towards Liverpool’s Dutch boss.Defender Julio Pleguezuelo, who had ran himself in to the ground, was replaced by Victor Palsson, 33, who started his career at Liverpool without making a first-team appearance.The visitors started to ramp up the pressure.But Matt Sorinola brilliantly took the ball off Nunez’s feet as he looked to pull the trigger after he was played in. Darwin also hammered an effort wide.Slot decided not to throw on Curtis Jones and instead opted to bring on Doherty for NyoniIncredibly, McConnell missed a wonderful chance to earn Liverpool a lifeline.After Hazard off his line flapping at a long ball in, it fell to McConnell who volleyed wide of the open goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd McConnell was unlucky as he saw a late thumping effort kept out by Hazard.When the final whistle blew, it confirmed only the fourth-ever occasion when the Premier League leaders have been knocked out by a side outside of the top flight, with the last coming in 2018. 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      Devastated Liverpool star forced off injured after just eight minutes of FA Cup clash as league leaders suffer huge blow

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      JOE GOMEZ looked devastated before he was forced off inside the first eight minutes of Liverpool’s fourth-round FA Cup humiliation.Gomez had just returned from a hamstring problem to start for Liverpool, who were dumped out of the cup by Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.Joe Gomez looked distraught as he went down injuredCredit: GettyThe defender was consoled by his team-mates after falling to the turf in the opening eight minutesCredit: GettyInside the opening exchanges at Home Park, Gomez limped off and had to pass on the captain’s armband to Diogo Jota.The England international signalled the bench after appearing to suffer from a fresh muscle problem.The 27-year-old looked distraught as he put his head down while his team-mates consoled him.Gomez started alongside Jarell Quansah in the middle of the backline.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSYoung right-back Isaac Mabaya, who has had his own fair share of injuries in the last 12 months or so, came on to replace him.Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate did not travel with the Merseyside derby coming up this midweek.Gomez has not long come back from a muscle injury that he sustained in Liverpool’s 5-0 win at West Ham at the back end of 2024.But wile Gomez’s latest setback isn’t the best news for Liverpool, nobody expected the Prem leaders to lose 1-0 to Plymouth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRyan Hardie’s penalty – after a Harvey Elliott handball – sent Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way in the 53rd minute.The Premier League leaders will rue making TEN changes and loading their bench with inexperienced kids as they deservedly crashed out of the FA Cup.The giant-killing sparked amazing scenes from fans and players.ITV had to apologise after a Plymouth player swore TWICE during a live interview.Argyle defender Nikola Katic let a few f-bombs slip during his post match interview as Liverpool crashed out of the competitionKatic – who lost a tooth in the opening stages following a collision with his own team-mate – couldn’t contain his emotion.When asked what’s like to beat Liverpool, he said: “I f****** love it”, before repeating, “I f****** love it” AGAIN immediately after.Ryan Hardie celebrates his match-winning goalCredit: Reuters More

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      Marcus Rashford set for first game in 60 DAYS after Man Utd exile but has to settle for place on Aston Villa bench

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is set to make his first appearance in 60 days after his Manchester United exile.But he has had to settle for a place on Aston Villa’s bench for today’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham.Marcus Rashford has been named on the bench for Aston Villa’s FA Cup tie with SpursCredit: GettyThe forward joined Villa late in the winter window after being frozen out at United by boss Ruben Amorim.Rashford had previously declared he was ready for a new challenge following criticism over his training efforts.And following interest from clubs including AC Milan and Barcelona, he ended up completing a shock move to United’s Premier League rivals.However, Villa boss Unai Emery has kept Rashford waiting for his debut.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard named a strong starting XI to face Spurs at Villa Park on Sunday.But Rashford was not among those who made the cut.His ability means he can play either up top or out wide in Emery’s 4-4-2 system.But Villa’s boss instead plumped for Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn on the wings.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile fellow January arrival Donyell Malen was paired in attack with Morgan Rogers.The Dutchman was left out of Aston Villa’s Champions League squad after a £20million move from Borussia Dortmund.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd But both he and new right-back Andres Garcia, also omitted from Europe, were both handed starts today against Tottenham.Joining Rashford on the bench was deadline day arrival Marco Asensio, who joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.And both attacking talents will be likely to make their bows later on in the game. More

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      Aston Villa vs Tottenham live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup clash today

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      ASTON VILLA meet Tottenham in a HUGE clash at Villa Park, with a place in the FA Cup fifth round at stake.Ange Postecoglou and Spurs are enduring a tough season in the Premier League.Ange Postecoglou is struggling with injuries this seasonCredit: PACurrently in 14th place in the Premier League and under a lot of pressure, Postecoglou needs some big cup results to secure his job.Villa Park is not the place to go to pick up form, as a Morgan Rogers hat trick fired Aston Villa into the top eight of the Champions League. Six points off the top four, Unai Emery’s side is carrying on the scintillating form that saw them qualify for Europe’s elite competition ahead of Spurs last season.How to watch Aston Villa vs Tottenham for FREEAs the game is in the FA Cup, it will be available free to air on BBC One. Fans will also be able to stream the game for free on BBC iPlayer.Alternatively, SunSport will be covering action as it happens in a comprehensive live blogKick-off for this fixture is 5:35pm GMT on Sunday, February 9.What other FA Cup fourth round ties are still to play?There are two games remaining in the week this round, following Aston Villa vs Spurs.On Monday night, League Two second placed side Doncaster host struggling Crystal Palace at 7:45pm GMT.On Tuesday night, League One Exeter will host in-form Nottingham Forest at St James Park at 8pm GMT. More

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      BBC make embarrassing line-up gaffe on live TV as injured Wolves star starts in very bizarre position

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      FANS have been left baffled by a BBC line-up error prior to Wolves’ FA Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers. Wolves travelled north to face the Championship high-fliers in a fourth-round clash on Sunday afternoon. Jorgen Strand Larsen missed Wolves’ win over Blackburn in the FA Cup – but nobody told the BBCCredit: GettyThe Beeb made a huge error with their Wolves teamsheet before the game, with the injured No. 9 at wing-backCredit: BBCVitor Peirera made five changes as he rotated his team for the contest. The BBC covered the game live from Ewood Park, showing viewers Wolves’ formation prior to kick-off.But fans were surprised to see a major error on the Beeb’s team sheet. Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen was listed miles out of position at left wing-back.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd to make matters even worse, he wasn’t actually included in the matchday squad due to injury. One fan wrote on X: “Strand Larsen at LB fair, play BBC.”Another laughed: “I thought I was going mad.”While a third added: “BBC had our line up on the screen and strand Larsen was playing LWB. He’s not even in the squad.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a fourth wrote: “BBC got Strand Larsen in line up, clueless.”Wolves’ standout players of the season so far combined to send them safely into the fifth round. Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersJoao Gomes and Matheus Cunha both netted before the break as the Prem side avoided a potential upset.But some fans were convinced Blackburn should have had an early goal before going on to lose 2-0.Rovers’ Dominic Hyam headed home at the back post from a free-kick with the scores level after 18 minutes.The goal was immediately ruled out for offside by the linesman.Replays showed that Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan looked to have played Hyam onside.With no VAR in operation during the fourth round, Wolves were let off the hook.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt led to Blackburn fans joining in the fury, with one saying: “No VAR makes you realise just how bad the referees are.”Another added: “Robbed, should be one up, poor decision.” More

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      Moment Jose Mourinho stops team bus to let on excited Fenerbahce fan… then invites him to squad lunch

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      JOSE MOURINHO gave a lucky Fenerbahce fan the experience of a lifetime as he allowed him to the team bus before inviting him over for lunch.Mourinho, 62, made a surprise move to Turkey to join Fener in June and was tasked with winning the club’s first title since 2014.Jose Mourinho gave a Fenerbahce fan the experience of a lifetimeCredit: youtubeMourinho invited a Fenerbahce fan into the team busCredit: youtubeMourinho allowed the fan to take selfies with his favourite Fenerbahce playersCredit: youtubeThe Fenerbahce fan had the time of his life thanks to MourinhoCredit: youtubeMourinho then invited the Fenerbahce fan over for lunchCredit: youtubeThe Istanbul outfit is currently second in the Super Lig table behind rivals Galatasaray but the Special One is already becoming a very popular figure among the club’s faithful.And the ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss proved it before the league match at Alanyaspor in a club video.The team bus was met by a raft of fans, one of which ran in front of the vehicle with his fist raised in the air.Mourinho was moved by the young supporter’s passion and invited him into the bus.Read Moe on FootballThe Portuguese tactician asked him to sing his favourite Fenerbahce song before giving him permission to approach the players for a selfie.That is where he met his favourite star Sebastian Szymanski, as well as other notable figures like Edin Dzeko, Sofyan Amrabat and Caglar Soyuncu.He was then seen walking into catering with Mourinho who let him know he could have anything he wanted.That was when he took his seat and broke bread with the rest of the team with a big smile on his face.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMourinho is well known for his explosive outbursts and strict personality.However, the ex-Real Madrid manager’s soft side, especially towards the fans, has been widely reported throughout the years.Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer The former Inter Milan boss did the same during his time at Roma in 2023 when he allowed local kids into the training ground to watch a live session. More

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      Man Utd ‘considered £58m transfer for Barcelona star in January’ but wonderkid snubbed move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in January – but he reportedly rejected the switch.The Red Devils were allegedly willing to offer £58m for the 21-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa also interested.Man Utd considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in JanuaryCredit: RexFermin Lopez opted to stay at BarcelonaCredit: RexUnited wanted Lopez to bolster their midfield options amid another dismal Premier League campaign, according to The Mail.While Villa – who brought in five new players, including Marcus Rashford on loan- were also keen to add Lopez to their ranks.But the Spaniard made it immediately clear that he wouldn’t entertain a move and was desperate to continue at Barca.United are known to be long-time admirers of Lopez’s talents amid their recent changes in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer and Casemiro is no longer considered a regular starter.Roma expressed interest in Casemiro in January and United could loan the legendary midfielder out in June.That could mean that Ruben Amorim’s side could go for Lopez again in the next window in a few months time. In October 2024, Lopez signed a new contract at the club until 2029, and it is understood that he has a £416.5m release clause.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLopez wants to fight for his future at Barca after seeing his playing time reduced under new gaffer Hansi Flick.He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 LaLiga games this season, having been named in the starting XI on five occasions.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernLopez – who came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia – returned from the Olympics with an injury, which left him out for the first few weeks of the season. The youngster has to battle fierce competition in Barca’s midfield which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Gavi and Pablo Torre.Meanwhile, United loaned out Rashford and Antony to reduce their wage bill.But Old Trafford chiefs spent £29.9m on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal’s under-21s.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      FA Cup 4th round LIVE SCORES: Plymouth vs Liverpool on NOW plus updates from Aston Villa vs Tottenham later – latest

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      THE FA Cup fourth round has got off to a thrilling start – and plenty more exciting ties are coming up TODAY.Premier League leaders Liverpool make the mammoth trip to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle, hoping to avoid a huge upset.Later, Aston Villa and Tottenham go head-to-head in a blockbuster clash for a spot in the fifth round, with Marcus Rashford in line to make his debut for the Villans.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.35pmTV channel: ITV1/BBC OneFREE live stream: ITVX/BBC iPlayerCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…SECOND HALFBack underway at Home Park as we await the opening goal.Copy linkCopiedBack outWe’re preparing for the restart as the two players head out.Can Liverpool step up and progress here? Can Plymouth hold out and create one or two chances of their own?Copy linkCopiedFrom Justin Allen at Home ParkThis has been an awful first-half from Liverpool, who are so off the boil.Arne Slot has made 10 changes with the team currently having three games in six days with the Merseyside derby with Everton coming on Wednesday.But this performance against the Championship’s bottom team has not been good enough.They look toothless up front — with only a deflected effort from James McConnell making Argyle keeper Conor Hazard work so far.Darin Nunez will surely have to come on in the second half.But he has a young bench and his lack of insurance options could bite him back unless the starting XI up their game.Copy linkCopiedStats at the breakJust the one shot on target in that 45 minutes and even I could’ve saved it.Liverpool have made almost 4x as many passes as Argyle but not doing an awful lot with that possession.Copy linkCopiedHALF TIME! Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolPlenty of effort, dedication and fight out there.Unfortunately, lacking any sort of quality at the break. But the job’s half done for Plymouth who’ve not looked out of place in this tie.Copy linkCopied45 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolThree minutes added on in the first half.Copy linkCopied44 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolNyoni just overhits a through ball for Chiesa and even he can’t keep it in as it heads towards the touchline for a throw.He does his best to keep it in, sliding in and instead knocking it out for a goal kick to Plymouth instead.Copy linkCopied42 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolMabaya picks up a yellow card for kicking the ball away and delaying the restart on a Plymouth throw.He didn’t quite deal with the ball, running it out of play in his defensive third and didn’t want it coming back in quickly.The offside flag goes up to prevent the Plymouth move coming to anything.Copy linkCopied39 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolTwo corners in quick succession for Liverpool.Both go short, both a waste of time as the ball never made it into the box.Copy linkCopied36 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolMcConnell’s turn to try his luck from distance and this one takes a nick on the way through.It makes it slightly tricky for Hazard who has to get down to push it away and Plymouth clear to safety.Copy linkCopied34 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolStraight down the other end and Elliott has an effort from 25 yards blocked on its way through.Just slowly coming to life with 10 minutes until the break.Copy linkCopied33 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolPenalty shout for the home side and the supporters are up out their seats.Bundu capitalises on a mistake from Tsimikas who misjudges the ball into the box.But the defender gets back in to put Bundu off and the forward goes to ground looking for a spot kick. It would’ve been soft but worth the shout.Copy linkCopiedFrom Justin Allen at Home ParkNot really taken off here yet. Liverpool have not  been moving the ball around quickly enough against an organised Argyle.But it has been the hosts who have looked more likely to score in the opening exchanges with Ryan Hardie getting past Joe Gomez on the right but his ball quickly smothered by keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.Hardie also saw an effort charged down.Mustapha Bundu also tried to weave through but Kostas Tsimikas managed to stop him in his tracks as he was set to shoot 12 yards out.Gomez going off was an early blow – given he has only recently returned from a hamstring injury.Arne Slot’s team have started to enjoy more possession. Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones are still available on the bench to come on.Copy linkCopied28 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolTold you there wasn’t much to shout about.Plymouth defending strongly and have a real presence up front should the chance to counter arise.Liverpool dominating the ball the last 10 minutes or so but it’s all in front of Argyle.Copy linkCopied23 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolTalovierov just does enough to prevent Diaz breaking down the left.The big defender actually wins a goal kick though Diaz protests it should be a corner.Talovierov then celebrates having gotten the better of that exchange. I’m never too sure where my thoughts lying on defenders celebrating like that but good for him anyway.Copy linkCopied21 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolMiron Muslic claps his players after they win a throw in on halfway.He’d likely have set getting through the first 20 minutes as a target and checkpoint and they’ve come through it well.Probably slightly better than Liverpool, too. Not much quality in the opening quarter of the game at all though.Copy linkCopied18 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolFirst booking of the afternoon is dished out as Nyoni is late with a challenge in the middle of the park.It could well be enough for a yellow on its own but he has already had a couple of niggling fouls, the youngster.Copy linkCopied14 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolNow Nikola Katic is down for Plymouth. It looks like a head knock and that he’ll be OK thankfully.He’d at least one serious injury when playing north of the border but this doesn’t look too bad.In fact the physios are seeing to his teeth, such was the knock.Incidentally, Diogo Jota took the armband from Gomez.Copy linkCopied12 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolKelleher comes out to punch a swinging corner from underneath his crossbar.Only as far as the edge of the box where Gyabi waits for it and smashes towards goal but it’s block on the way.Copy linkCopied10 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolHis afternoon is done. A real shame.But one man’s downfall is another man’s opportunity. Isaac Mabaya comes on for a Reds debut.OFF: GomezON: MabayaCopy linkCopied8 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolNightmare for Joe Gomez and Liverpool as he sits down on the turf.He’s only just back from a hamstring injury and this is his first appearance of 2025.Skippering the side today too. You can see the devastation in his face.Copy linkCopied4 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolEnd-to-end start here!Luis Diaz has THREE men on him when trying to attack down the left.He tries to work a one-two with Elliott who can’t return the pass. Plymouth break and Hardie gets down the right and fizzes a cross in towards Wright but Kelleher sprints off his line to drop low and intercept it.Copy linkCopied1 – Plymouth 0-0 LiverpoolFirst effort on goal comes for the home side as they work the ball well into the final third.The ball just won’t sit for Hardie and when waiting for it to come down, he gets his shot away but it’s blocked.Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFF!We’re underway at Home Park!Copy linkCopiedFrom Justin Allen at Home ParkArne Slot has had to manage the squad this week with three games in the space of six days so rung the changes.Only keeper Caoimhin Kelleher kept his place from the Liverpool team that thumped Tottenham 4-0 on Thursday with one eye on the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.Seventeeen-year-old Treymaurice Nyoni made only the second start of his senior career while James McConnell, 20, also was in the XI for the second time, having played against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.There was almost a carnival atmosphere inside Home Park.Argyle, while a League Two club, famously held Liverpool to a goalless draw in 2017 at Anfield before earning a replay, which they lost 1-0 in Devon.Copy linkCopied More