Liverpool 0-0 Plymouth: Young reds held at home and face FA Cup replay

FA Cup 3rd Round
Sunday 08 January 2017 - 1:30 pm
Anfield
Liverpool0
0Plymouth
Show Match Events
Possession %
7624
Total Shots
284
Shots on Target
41
Shots Blocked
141
Offside
1
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Liverpool were held 0-0 by a defensively organised Plymouth Argyle despite dominating the game at Anfield.

The team news came out and Klopp really opted for giving youth a chance.  It was Liverpool's youngest ever first team line up - and featured 5 players under 20, and a total of 9 players of age 23 or under.

Joe Gomez was named in the starting eleven, his first appearance for 16 months and his first game under Jurgen Klopp - putting behind his cruciate ligament injury.

The 'old guard' were Alberto Moreno at 24 and Lucas Leiva enjoying the final day of his twenties.

First half

The first half was one of total Liverpool domination.  The reds enjoying 80% possession and Loris Karius restricted to a single touch of the ball - which required him to come out 40 yards to pass a ball to his defence.

It didn't take long for the reds to get their first corner of the game and with Alberto Moreno on corner duty throughout the half he put the ball in decent areas - often finding Emre Can's head but often well defended.

Ben Woodburn was eager to make a mark and on two occassions found himself at the edge of the 6 yard box but Plymouth's ultra-defensive tactics prevented him converting chances.

Divock Origi did put the ball in the net in the first half - his goal was swiftly ruled out though after he wrapped his arm around a defender.

The young reds had a number of free kicks in the first half - and arguably should have utilised them much better.  On too many occasions the ball was fired into the wall.

Second half

Plymouth came out of their shell a bit in the second half - even getting their first shot on target away - when they went direct from a 30 yard free kick.  Karius with an easy catch.

At the other end the reds were also attempting more long shots.  Lucas having a pop from outside the box that was saved at the bottom corner of the goal.

Just after the hour Klopp made a change - Daniel Sturridge coming on for Emre Can in an attacking move to try and seal the game.

Following a serious injury to a Plymouth defender, Klopp made two final subs - Lallana and Firmino sent on to replace the youth of Ejaria and Woodburn.

The reds edged past their 20th shot of the game but none of them were causing Plymouth serious concerns - Origi failed to connect powerfully enough with a header and moments later Sturridge's twist, turn and shot went narrowly wide.

The reds couldn't get the goal and now face a replay at Plymouth in 10 days time.

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