Divock Origi missed an 87th-minute penalty, but Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool progressed to The Emirates FA Cup fourth round after a rare Lucas Leiva goal handed them a 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.
Yann Songo’o’s challenge had gifted Belgian international Origi a chance to put the game to bed following Lucas’ first-half header, and though Luke McCormick’s save gave Argyle hope, it was Klopp’s men who booked a tie with Wolves at Anfield in the fourth round.
Skipper for the day Lucas broke the deadlock after 19 minutes, after Philippe Coutinho whipped in a perfect corner and his Brazilian compatriot managed to shake off his marker and power a header home that left McCormick with no chance.
It was Lucas’ first goal for Liverpool in 2316 days, not since Liverpool played Steaua Bucharest in 2010 had the midfielder hit the back of the net, but League Two high fliers Plymouth Argyle were not cowed by the goal.
Some neat play from Jake Jervis gave Paul-Arnold Garita a fine chance to level the scores just before half time, but he prodded wide.
After a hugely promising second half, Jervis found himself in miles of space with just 15 minutes left and thundered against the bar with a bicycle kick that had Loris Karius beaten before Origi spurned his late chance to give the Reds breathing room.
