

Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show
The Athletic
The Athletic's James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to bring you the very best insight into Liverpool Football Club twice a week, every weekFollow for expert knowledge of the club from breaking news to entertaining and informed discussion around the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2026 • 46min
Slot’s unpopular opinion & why Liverpool are sticking by him
Simon Hughes, long-time Liverpool analyst, and James Pearce, experienced Athletic reporter, dig into a 6-0 European win that feels oddly flat. They debate Champions League form versus Premier League realities. Injuries and right-back shortages get close attention. They unpack Arne Slot’s provocative PSG remark and explain why the club continues to back him. A huge Newcastle showdown looms.

Jan 26, 2026 • 47min
Who’s to blame as self-sabotage champions strike again?
Andy Jones, football writer and analyst, and James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent, dissect Liverpool’s collapse after a 13-match unbeaten run ends. They debate defensive errors, late-game meltdowns, questionable substitutions and whether last summer’s signings left the squad short. There's also talk of Robertson’s future, injury news and mounting Champions League pressure.

Jan 22, 2026 • 46min
Victory in the Velodrome; are Liverpool back on track?
James Pearce, a Liverpool correspondent known for his in-depth match analysis, joins journalist Gregg Evans, who offers tactical insights, and Chris Weatherspoon, a football finance writer, to discuss Liverpool's 3-0 victory in Marseille. They assess Mohamed Salah’s evolving role and Dominik Szoboszlai’s standout performance, considering him a potential future captain. Weatherspoon breaks down Liverpool's record-breaking revenue of over £700m, examining its impact on wage bills and competitiveness as they gear up for a critical match against Bournemouth.

10 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 42min
Booed at Anfield: Where does Slot go from here?
James Pearce, a Liverpool correspondent known for his transfer insights, and Andy Jones, a football writer and analyst, discuss the frustration after Liverpool's draw with Burnley. They probe the boos from fans, considering whether they were justified amid a troubling series of matches. The duo debates Arne Slot’s management decisions, missed penalties, and Liverpool's tactical struggles. They also touch on transfer news concerning Marc Guehi and analyze the upcoming Champions League challenge against Marseille.

9 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 38min
Can Liverpool afford to stand still in January transfer market?
Join James Pearce, an experienced Liverpool correspondent, and Andy Jones, a keen football journalist, as they delve into Liverpool's pressing issues in the squad depth department. They discuss the looming threat of injury crises due to thin defensive cover and ponder whether a January transfer is necessary. The duo also analyzes Mohamed Salah's anticipated return, Liverpool's ongoing attacking identity struggles, and the tactical setup against Burnley, emphasizing the importance of patience and precision. In a light-hearted moment, they even chat about dogs in strollers!

Jan 13, 2026 • 43min
Cup progress made & how does Alonso sacking impact Slot?
James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, and Andy Jones, a football writer with keen tactical insight, join to dissect Liverpool's recent 4-1 cup victory against Barnsley. They debate Dominik Szoboszlai's controversial backheel, explore the growing importance of the FA Cup under Arne Slot, and analyze Xabi Alonso's sacking at Real Madrid—pondering its implications for Slot's future. The duo also touches on Liverpool's youth setup, recent signings, and the implications of squad depth issues.

Jan 9, 2026 • 43min
Does performance at Emirates ease the scrutiny on Slot?
James Pearce and Andy Jones share their insights after Liverpool's draw against Arsenal, praising the team's improved defense and midfield while questioning the stagnant attack. They discuss the implications of Slott's tactics and whether the result eases pressure on him. The conversation touches on injury concerns and missed opportunities that could have led to a victory. They also reflect on Kevin Keegan's legacy following his cancer diagnosis, highlighting his impact on the club. Plus, there's a preview of the FA Cup match against Barnsley.

Jan 5, 2026 • 43min
From euphoria to agony: Liverpool’s 97th-minute gut punch
Join James Pearce, an experienced Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, and Andy Jones, a keen football analyst, as they dissect Liverpool's painful late equalizer against Fulham. They explore if this was the season's biggest blow and analyze the team's passive play and tactical errors. Topics include the impact of missing players like Ekitiké and whether Liverpool’s identity has shifted after recent signings. Plus, they share insights on potential recruitment moves and preview a challenging match against top contender Arsenal.

Jan 2, 2026 • 41min
Unbeaten but uninspiring; Reds make flat start to 2026
Join James Pearce, Senior Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, and Andy Jones, an insightful football writer, as they analyze Liverpool's frustrating start to 2026 following a goalless draw against Leeds. They delve into Wirtz's uneven performance and debate whether Ekitiké should have gone down for a penalty. The duo discusses the surprising exit of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs and the implications for the team. They also touch on January transfer plans and squad depth, raising concerns about center-back stability ahead of their upcoming match against Fulham.

10 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 42min
Wunderbar Wirtz stars in Wolves win
Football journalist Gregg Evans and writer Andy Jones dive into Liverpool's thrilling 2-1 victory over Wolves, highlighting an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota. They celebrate Florian Wirtz scoring his first Premier League goal and discuss his adaptation to the team. The hosts voice concerns about Liverpool's set piece struggles and debate whether their recent unbeaten streak indicates real progress. Plus, insights on Mohamed Salah's performance at AFCON and what to expect in the upcoming January transfer window. Exciting insights await!


