Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent known for his match insights, joins the discussion but bows out mid-show due to a sore throat. The panel dives into Liverpool's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City and debates the controversial disallowed goal by Virgil van Dijk. They analyze tactical failures and question the impact of VAR on the matchday experience. With Liverpool eight points adrift, discussions turn to whether the title defense is over and if they should focus on the Champions League instead.

The discussion kicks off with the thrill of Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Real Madrid. Connor Bradley's impressive play against Vinicius Junior steals the spotlight. There's praise for Florian Wirtz, especially his standout performances in Europe. As the panel gears up for the crucial match against Manchester City, they dissect recent wins and tactics that suit Liverpool's style. The ongoing debate about Wirtz's potential starting spot adds excitement to their analysis of the upcoming clash.

Joining Tony Evans are James Pearce, an experienced Liverpool correspondent and author, and Andy Jones, a football journalist specializing in tactical analysis. They discuss Liverpool's relieved win against Aston Villa and the implications for the team's confidence. They dive into Mo Salah's improving form and Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield against Real Madrid, speculating on fan reactions. The panel weighs whether the upcoming match against Manchester City holds more importance for Liverpool's ambitions than the European clash.

Gregg Evans, a football journalist known for match analysis, and Simon Hughes, an experienced football writer, join Tony Evans for a deep dive into Liverpool's recent cup exit. They debate whether Arne Slot's strategy with fringe players cost them the match and how crucial the upcoming game against Aston Villa is for both title hopes and Slot's future. The panel also evaluates the psychological impact of the defeat, tactical adjustments needed, and key players to watch from Villa. It's a critical moment for Liverpool as they seek to restore their confidence at Anfield.

Andy Jones and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans for a debrief of another bad weekend for Liverpool, falling to Brentford (and 'Keith Andrew's well-oiled machine') 3-2. The panel discuss why Liverpool can't seem to do the basics right, and whether the other English clubs have figured them out.They also touch on how much credit Arne Slot has in the bank, and how long that will last if this season descends into disaster.Finally, there's a look ahead to the Carabao Cup visit of Crystal Palace to Anfield. Should the domestic cups now be prioritised given the slumping title defence?Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Simon Hughes Producers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce are alongside Tony Evans for this episode as we relive the 5-1 victory away in Germany - and find out how man Frankfurters James managed to consume.The panel look at the change of system, with Arne Slot turning back the clock and rolling out a 4-4-2. Is this something that we could see more of going forward?And what does the victory mean for Mohammed Salah, with the Egyptian on the bench as the team clicked. Will he start against Brentford at the weekend?Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Simon Hughes Producers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The panel reacts to Liverpool's frustrating 2-1 loss to Manchester United, questioning if panic has set in with four straight defeats. They dissect tactical issues under Arne Slot and explore the inconsistency in midfield. Discussion highlights include whether Mohamed Salah should be benched due to poor form and Virgil van Dijk's defensive struggles. As they look ahead to the match against Eintracht Frankfurt, they contemplate if the Bundesliga will be the perfect setting for players like Florian Wirtz to regain their confidence.

James Pearce and Simon Hughes are alongside Tony Evans ahead of Liverpool returning to action with Manchester United coming to Anfield!Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Gody Gakpo are amongst the Liverpool players returning following strong showings whilst away on international duty who could be hoping to kickstart their campaigns with the Reds having gone into the break on a three-game losing streak.The panel also discuss the significance of the rivalry with Manchester United with Sunday's meeting set to be the 100th meeting at Anfield between the clubs.Plus there's a look at Arne Slot's selection headaches, whether the game can provide a breakout moment for either Florian Wirtz or Alexander Isak as well as a listener question on the current playing style.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Simon HughesProducer: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce are alongside Tony Evans for this episode as we take a look back on 15 years of FSG ownership ahead of their 15th anniversary in charge on Wednesday.The panel look back on the state of the club they inherited, how they've transformed the club - in part through the redevelopment of Anfield - as well as the significance of the appointment of Jurgen Klopp.The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon also joins to look at the financial health of the club under FSG as well as the commercial growth the club has gone through.Plus, Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic's Boston Red Sox beat reporter drops by to share the perceptions of the ownership in the US, the view of Liverpool in New England as well as discussing what the future may hold for the ownership group.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes, James Pearce, Chris Weatherspoon and Jen McCaffreyProducers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans as they settle into the long days of the international break.Now a few days removed from the ‘week of three losses’, the panel start with a more balanced reflection on the start of the season - as James puts it: “Don’t Panic!”.The Athletic’s German football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor also drops by to discuss the reception that Wirtz, Frimpong, and Ekitike are getting from within Germany having swapped the Bundesliga for Anfield - before touching on the impact Luis Diaz has made at Bayern Munich.Finally, the panel discuss former captains Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard with both having been in the news this week following interviews they've given, with Gerrard also looking set to return to management with Rangers.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce, Andy Jones and Seb Stafford-BloorProducers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.