Liverpool’s shock 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with former Reds striker John Aldridge leading the criticism of manager Arne Slot’s team selection.
John Aldridge believes Slot’s decision to field a heavily rotated side was a “mistake” that has now piled pressure on Liverpool ahead of their pivotal Merseyside Derby against Everton.
The Reds, who were expected to comfortably dispatch their League One opponents, struggled to break down a determined Plymouth defense at Home Park. With 10 first-team regulars left out of the squad entirely, Slot’s experimental lineup failed to deliver, leaving Aldridge and others questioning the Dutchman’s approach.
Taking to social media after the match, Aldridge didn’t hold back, writing:
I think Arne has made his 1st and hopefully his last mistake today !!I thought when I seen the bench if things went pear shaped there was no back up to retract it !!It puts pressure on the team that’s had plenty of rest to show it and match or outfight EFC on Wednesday night and…
Advertisement— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) February 9, 2025
Aldridge’s comments highlight the delicate balance managers must strike between squad rotation and maintaining competitiveness. While Slot’s decision to rest key players like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Alisson Becker was understandable given Liverpool’s congested fixture list, the lack of senior options on the bench left the Reds vulnerable when Plymouth grew into the game.
The defeat has now shifted the focus squarely onto Wednesday’s derby at Goodison Park. With Everton fighting for survival and Liverpool chasing Premier League glory, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Aldridge argues that Slot’s gamble has added unnecessary pressure on the players who were rested, as they now have no excuse not to deliver a dominant performance.
Slot’s rotation strategy has faced criticism, but a win against Everton will silence the doubters. If Liverpool dominate and claim victory, the FA Cup loss to Plymouth will be forgotten. However, failure to deliver at Goodison Park will only increase scrutiny on the coach’s decision-making. The Merseyside Derby is always intense, and this one carries even more pressure for Slot and his team.
