The Anfield Central podcast

So near, yet so far.Liverpool took it all the way to the wire on the final day but it was Manchester City’s remarkable 3-2 comeback over Aston Villa that saw them crowned champions. On this week’s show Luke and James discuss how the final day played out, why we can be proud of our team and what is yet to come as the season concludes with one final, huge game.We also took the time to praise Mo Salah for his Golden Boot win and Alisson’s Golden Glove achievement. This gave us the chance to ask whether the Brazillian goalkeeper has been Liverpool’s best player this campaign.With Divock Origi leaving at the end of the season, he received an Anfield send-off and we chatted about his legacy. The second part of the show was dedicated to the Champions League final. We previewed the weekend clash with Real Madrid, focusing on our midfield woes with potentially Fabinho and now Thiago missing from the clash in Paris.We also mused the other selection issue for Klopp, should Matip or Konate partner Van Dijk? Listen now!       

The Reds are taking it to the final day of the Premier League season in their search for an unprecedented quadruple, and Luke and James are here to talk about it all.Following a 2-1 win over Southampton to keep right on Man City’s coattails, the chaps discussed the benefit of Liverpool’s squad depth this season following a much-changed 11 on the south coast. As many players seized their opportunity we discussed the impact of Bobby Firmino, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, as well as spent some time praising Taki Minamino’s fine goalscoring record this campaign. Of course, we had to discuss last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Chelsea. We took look back at the match and explained what a psychological boost it will provide going into the final week of the season. Kostas Tsimikas was the hero, and we chatted about his performance as well as the squad’s togetherness. Plus, with Jurgen Klopp now completing the set of trophies available, we ask is he the greatest manager in Premier League history. Finally, we previewed the final weekend in the Premier League season and dared to dream about a favour from Steven Gerrard.  Listen now!       

In a somewhat dour week for Liverpool fans, Luke and James pick over the bones of recent results that mean the Premier League title is probably not coming to Anfield :( In particular, we analysed the win over Aston Villa and the brilliance of Sadio Mane who has quickly become Liverpool’s most potent goal threat in recent weeks. In contrast, we wondered when we will see the best of Mo Salah again after a continued period of un-Salah like performances. Ahead of a huge fortnight for the Reds that includes two finals, we also discussed whether there is any cause for concern in recent form from Liverpool. With Fabinho limping off injured at Villa Park and set to miss the FA Cup final, we discussed his importance to the side and how big a blow it’ll be if he is unable to get fit for the Champions League final on 28th May.And of course, we preview the huge FA Cup final clash with Chelsea, discussing all the talking points as the Reds attempt to add another trophy to the cabinet. Listen now!       

Allez Les Rouges!The Reds have made more history by making it to a 10th European Cup final and the 3rd in the Jurgen Klopp era!Following a nervy first half in Villarreall and then a wonderful 12 minutes that saw Liverpool run out 3-2 winners, Luke and James are here to discuss all the latest news. We look into what was behind the Reds slow start, the team’s fantastic mentality to turn it around and yet another wonderful display from Luis Diaz.The guys take a close look into Diaz’s sparkling form since arriving at Liverpoool, and wonder whether any new signing has ever made such a significant impact. Plus there’s praise for Jurgen Klopp and the way he handled the occasion, as well as time to reflect on the fantastic news of his new contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2026. Then, we previewed the upcoming match against Tottenham - our hardest yet as we try and hunt down Manchester City for the title. We analyse the upcoming game and discuss where the league could be won or lost over the next fortnight. Finally, there’s even time for some quadruple chat as we discuss now that history as been made, what constitutes a successful season. Listen now!       

A wonderful week for the Reds was concluded with yet another Merseyside Derby win, and there was only one place we could start. Divock Origi.Luke and James talk about the brilliance of the Belgian whose record in the fixture is absolutely outstanding with 6 (SIX) goals against the blues to date. We discuss Origi’s legacy, and whether or not he would even have been on the pitch if we were not coming up against the Bitters.Due to him opening the scoring, we spent some time praising unsung hero Andy Robertson and wondered whether or not he should be in the running for player of the season. We also reviewed the entire game, including Everton’s rather naughty antics, and how well Liverpool did to come out of the match with all three points. There will be more games like this as the Reds march towards an unprecedented quadruple, and we explain how the lads need to be able to cope with different types of games. We also had time to take a brief look at Everton’s fortunes as they stare down the barrel of a potential top-flight exit for the first time in 68 years. Finally, we previewed tonight’s match with Villarreal in the Champions League and the weekend’s clash with Newcastle.Listen now!       

Liverpool has had a fantastic week against the Manchester clubs, defeating Man City to get into the FA Cup final and smashing United 4-0.This victory over United completes the double over our arch-rivals with an aggregate score of 9-0! On this week’s podcast, Luke and James discuss the match, as well as the reasons why the gap between the two clubs is at the biggest level in living memory. In particular, we eulogise over Thiago’s incredible performance and wonder whether it’s the Spaniard's best ever game since joining the Reds in 2020. With Mo Salah back amongst the goals, we discuss his brilliance as well as whether he’s now back to his best.Luis Diaz has certainly made a positive impact since his arrival, and we wonder whether he is now part of Liverpool’s best front 3, particularly regarding how his influence has helped Sadio Mane’s fine form of late in a slightly new position. And, of course, we discuss once again whether the unprecedented quadruple really is on the cards.It wasn’t all positive though, with vile chants about the Hillsborough disaster rearing their ugly head in both matches against the Manchester clubs, we explain what must be done to stop these abhorrent instances from repeating themselves.  Listen now!

Well, while the rest of the world loved the clash between Liverpool and Manchester City, now dubbed the biggest game in world football, it’s fair to say us fans were put through the wringer!Luke and James are back to talk through the 2-2 draw at the Etihad and what it means for the rest of the title race. Before looking too far ahead though, we focused on the match itself questioning why the Reds seemed to start so slowly and who the point benefits most with the context of the game in mind.We also analysed the remaining seven fixtures of both clubs, and assessed where the title may be won or lost for both teams.Plus, we discussed the hot topic of whether Liverpool vs Manchester City has now established itself as the greatest Premier League rivalry of all time.There was also time to preview this week’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Benfica and look ahead to yet another meeting with Man City - this time at Wembley in the FA Cup on Saturday. Listen now!       

We’re at risk of sounding like a broken record but.. another win for Liverpool!Following a 2-0 win against Brighton Luke and James are here to discuss the Reds’ title charge in what has been a massive week for the club. As well as this victory Liverpool are also set to play Arsenal tonight and then Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday as the fight for the quadruple remains.But it’s Brighton where we start and we cast our eyes over Luis Diaz’s impact and that awful incident with Brighton keeper Roberto Sanchez.It’s not all been positive though. This week we learned that Mo Salah had rejected Liverpool’s opening contract offer and reports suggest he may even be open to leaving for another PL club. We offer our views on whether this is just your normal agent posturing or if we actually should be worried. Staying on this topic we also question the timing of the news and why Salah and his entourage should be more respectful towards the club. We also had time to look ahead to Friday’s huge Champions League draw which will have ramifications not just in Europe, but on the title race, too. Listen now!