Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool managed to enter the 4th round of the FA Cup this season after a victory over Plymouth Argyle in the second leg of the tie in front of a noisy Home Park. The visitors, who failed to breach the defense of Derek Adam’s side at Anfield with their youngest ever side, took the lead in this tie through an unlikely goal scorer in Lucas Leiva who thumped homed a header at the near post from a Phillipe Coutinho corner. But that was as much as Liverpool could score in over 180 minutes of football against a League 2 side in Plymouth. The manager fielded a squad mixed with seniors and U23’s to keep them fresh for the game at Swansea and he will be happy to have set up a home tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round of the competition.
Here are the player ratings for Klopp’s side:
Loris Karius (6):
Had to make a couple of saves and clearances and was a comfortable night on goal for the German goal-keeper who got another clean sheet to his name.
Trent Alexander Arnold (7):
After a dream debut at the Old Trafford, Trent A.A bossed the back line for Liverpool and took up some important positions to make some goal saving tackles on a productive night for the youngster.
Joe Gomez (6):
The young defender had a mixed night as he was caught on the ball on a number of occasions but managed to deal with the threat of the home side to hold on to a clean sheet.
Lucas Leiva (7):
The skipper of the side on the night, Lucas, scored his first goal in more than 200 games for the Reds helping them to reach the next round, by putting in a shift against the likes of Garita at the other end.
Alberto Moreno (5):
Was a target of the long balls from Plymouth all night as he failed to clear the danger on more than one occasion. However, was a decent outlet at the other end of the field. Won the penalty late in the game but of no real effect.
Kevin Stewart (5):
Was wasteful in possession far too often for Liverpool to keep the pressure on the home side but was decent in his defensive duties to help the team through to the next round.
Ovie Ejaria (6):
The young midfielder did justice to his place in the side as he managed to act as the bridge between the midfield and the attack. He also put in a shift in defense to keep Liverpool strong at the back.
Ben Woodburn (6):
Played a slightly deeper role than his normal one for the team and fitted in seamlessly, playing some decent football till the end of the game.
Philippe Coutinho (6):
The Brazilian tried hard to provide the breakthrough on the night and did so with his delivery to the near post for Lucas Leiva. Also played some intelligent balls in behind to keep the Plymouth defense all night.
Divock Origi (6):
Played in countless positions on the night but was most effective as a target man. Came close to scoring but missed a penalty with a weak effort from the spot.
Daniel Sturridge (5):
Tried his best to get into the game but failed to do so he was not getting the kind of service from his midfielders that he needs. Came close to scoring though.
Subs:
Harry Wilson (7):
The youngster came in to replace Philippe Coutinho at the hour mark and made an immediate impact with his speed by creating havoc at the back for Plymouth.
Sheyi Ojo (7):
An impact sub if ever there was one, Ojo was effective in the last quarter of the game as he stretched the back line of the home side to keep them working hard right till the end. Also created a few chances on an impressive night.