Lucas Leiva’s first goal in seven years secured Liverpool’s belated passage into the FA Cup fourth round in a 1-0 replay win over Plymouth Argyle.

A goalless draw at Anfield saw Derek Adams’ side force the Reds into a replay at Home Park to decide who woiuld win the right to face Wolves in the next round.

Jurgen Klopp named a relatively strong starting line up for the replay that included the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge.

And the decision to include Coutinho proved to be a particularly smart one as he provided the cross for compatriot Lucas to head home the only goal of the game.

Here were the key talking points from Home Park:

Liverpool need Coutinho fighting fit

 

There is no denying that Liverpool have missed Philippe Coutinho since he picked up an injury against Sunderland back in November.

The Brazilian had been in fine form for the Reds up until that point, with six goals and five assists to his name in all competitions before fate intervened.

His influence was felt just seconds after coming on against Manchester United last weekend as he set up Brazil team mate Roberto Firmino for a goal scoring chance.

That strong showing illustrated the quality that he can bring to the team and it was further emphasised with his performance in this FA Cup third round replay.

While he was not at his sumptuous best, his ability was clear on several occasions as he picked out defence-splitting passes and provided the assist for Lucas’ goal.

With seven points to make up on Chelsea in the Premier League title race, Liverpool will need Coutinho back to full fitness as quickly as possible.

Sturridge fails to prove a point

 

As the season has progressed, Daniel Sturridge has increasingly found himself an isolated figure in this Liverpool side.

Indeed, there is an argument that he now finds himself as the third choice forward in the pecking order behind Firmino and Divock Origi.

The England striker’s best chances have come in the cup competitions, where he has been given his opportunity to impress as Klopp has rotated his team.

But he missed a golden opportunity to stake a claim for a more regular spot as he was largely on the periphery for much of the game at Home Park.

Facing a League Two side was the perfect opportunity to not only add to his current tally of six gals but also make a point to his manager.

He failed in both regards.

Clyne has a legitimate challenger

 

Injury to Nathaniel Clyne before the clash with Manchester United saw youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold given the chance to impress in his place.

He did just that in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, with an impressive display seeing him keep United striker Anthony Martial quiet throughout.

That performance saw him retain the right-back spot for the trip to Devon and the young full-back did nothing less than build on his growing reputation.

Defensively he was a rock, with one particular last-ditch tackle on forward Paul-Arnold Garita ensuring the Reds left Plymouth with a clean sheet.

The 18-year-old is likely to drop out when Clyne returns to full fitness but Liverpool can rest assured they have sufficient cover in Alexander-Arnold.

…but some kids aren’t quite ready

 

It was a brave decision from Klopp to stick with many of his side’s youngsters after they failed to see off Plymouth in a drab original tie at Anfield.

If stalemate showed that some of them, particularly in attack, may not be ready for that step up into the first team just yet, this game will have strengthened that belief.

While there were no serious under-performers, none of the Reds young forwards particularly shone and will have emerged feeling they could have offered far more.

Given their relatively tender age and inexperience, that is unlikely to concern Klopp too much but it does show that some of the current under-23 crop may not be ready for more regular first team appearances just yet.