Rare Lucas goal seals Reds' spot in FA Cup fourth round
Lucas Leiva proved to be the unlikely hero as Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Plymouth.
The stand-in captain's first goal for seven years was enough to see off the challenge of the League Two outfit in a scrappy replay at Home Park.
A much changed Reds side rode their luck before Divock Origi missed a penalty late on.
Liverpool's reward is a home tie with Wolves at Anfield a week on Saturday.
Having fielded the youngest starting line up in the club's history in the first game at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp opted for an injection of quality and experience for the replay.
There were two changes from the stalemate 10 days earlier with Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho coming in for Emre Can and Sheyi Ojo.
Plymouth sat deep and defender in numbers as Liverpool dominated both possession and territory.
The breakthrough arrived on 18 minutes. Lucas hadn't scored for the Reds since a Europa League clash with Steaua Bucharest in September 2010 but he ended that long drought in emphatic fashion.
Coutinho's corner was inviting and Lucas arrived at the near post to power a thumping header past Luke McCormick.
The stage was set for Liverpool to kick on and put the tie to bed. It didn't happen.
Klopp's men got sloppy and Plymouth threatened to restore parity.
Graham Carey forced a sprawling save from Loris Karius before Jake Jervis dragged a free-kick wastefully wide.
Oscar Threlkeld skipped past Lucas and picked out Arnold Garita in the centre. However, the outstanding Trent Alexander-Arnold was alert to the danger and slid in to thwart him.
The second half brought more of the same with Liverpool huffing and puffing but unable to kill Plymouth off.
Karius, who was so impressive in the EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton last week, didn't fill anyone with confidence as he flapped at a number of crosses.
Klopp handed Academy youngster Harry Wilson his debut just past the hour mark as Coutinho made way.
The 19-year-old winger almost enjoyed a dream introduction as he shut down McCormick. The keeper's clearance slammed against Wilson and ballooned over the bar.
Sturridge could have settled it after a neat one-two with Origi but couldn't find a way past McCormick.
With 15 minutes to go Liverpool enjoyed a huge let off. Sonny Bradley nodded across goal and Jake Jervis' volley crashed against the post.
The Reds were given a late spot-kick after Yann Songo'o brought down Alberto Moreno but Origi's tame effort was easily saved.
Man of the match: Trent Alexander-Arnold. Another highly impressive performance from the young full-back.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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