The Magic of the Cup
On 'proof of life' becoming an unstoppable energy
And at 16:55 on 9 February, Miron Muslic’s “proof of life” exploded into something with a life of its own.
The faint pulse of Sunderland became a crackling surge of electricity around Home Park. It fizzed around the ground, as even through nine painful minutes of injury time, the Devonport End bounced. Then, as Conor Hazard finally raked the ball upfield after his second game-winning intervention, that fizz became a roar.
It was a kind of accumulated static, each person charging it from a different source. For many, it came from the thousands of miles of travel and misery racked up over the last year. For others, the relentless rollercoaster of hope, belief, and disappointment. And for so many, the memories of lost family and friends who would have dearly loved to see a day like this. For me, it was a deep pride in our club and city — the kind that swells in your chest and catches in your throat.
For everyone present or watching at home, the moment meant something different.
And it was all the sweeter because we deserved it.
Liverpool came for an easy run-out. Instead, they walked into a cauldron of noise against a team that had come to fight.
Under Miron, we were tactically superior (as even Slot admitted). Our fans were superior. And our energy and desire were unmatched.
My intention for this newsletter is simply to mark the occasion, without adding unnecessary analysis or looking beyond the achievement. I’m sure everyone has watched every interview and F-Bomb already, but I’ve compiled a list of reading below as some kind of keepsake.
Beating Liverpool is a huge moment in the club’s history. Whether we survive this season or not is irrelevant. It stands alone—nothing can take that away.
But nothing exists in isolation. While those emotions will never be forgotten, this must be a catalyst for league survival.
And all too quickly, all eyes are on a seriously tough game against Millwall. I’m still not sure I believe — but this weekend is a reminder that anything is possible.
Some bookmarks and reading
An excellent Pilgrims Podcast (props to Tom who got the tone so right 🍔) (link)
A superb Argyle Analysis with Aaron Cusack (Argyle TV)
This thread on Muslic’s tactics (X.com)
How astute tactician Miron Muslic inspired Plymouth to historic upset (The Times)
David Squires on … Liverpool’s sacrificial offerings meeting their end in Plymouth (The Guardian)
Plymouth, Exeter and the football wilderness where Liverpool came unstuck (The Athletic)
Plymouth Owner Simon Hallett on Unfinished Business (The NY Times)
Miron Muslic: ‘Real life is a lot more difficult than playing a football game’ (The Guardian)
The D Fence (X.com)
Hardly a weak opposition sent down to Devon with £210million worth of talent treading the theatre of Greens hallowed turf!
Hey thanks for leaving those links James. I hadn’t seen The Guardian article which was excellent. Can’t help feeling the “gamble” of appointing Muslic has already paid off. Tonight’s game will tell us a lot.