Plymouth, Exeter and the football wilderness where Liverpool came unstuck
“The English county of Devon is in the spotlight, with two of the best three teams in the country making the long journey south-west in the FA Cup fourth round. For some, rugby union is more synonymous with the area than football — the Exeter Chiefs won the Premiership in 2017 and 2020 — but dig beneath the surface and look beyond the stunning coastline, popular tourist hotspots and cream teas and you will find an area that has forged its own footballing culture. And if Arne Slot’s Liverpool thought they were heading for a pleasant weekend by the coast at the weekend, they got a rude awakening at Home Park on Sunday afternoon. Like seagulls at the seaside, Plymouth swooped in to steal one of Liverpool’s quadruple chips. …”
NY Times/The Athletic
YouTube: Plymouth Argyle vs. Liverpool | FA Cup Highlights, Highlights: Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool | FA Cup Fourth Round
A mural at St James Park, Exeter’s ground