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Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show
Is the future bright for Slot's Liverpool?
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Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to assess the bigger picture at Anfield. With Arne Slot insisting the future looks promising, the panel ask whether that optimism is justified — or if major questions still need answering.
A big focus is on the goalkeeping situation. With injuries to Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Freddie Woodman stepping in, what does Liverpool’s long-term plan look like between the posts?
Plus, a preview of the weekend clash with Crystal Palace — a side that has caused Liverpool plenty of recent problems!
Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com
Host: Tony Evans
With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce
Producers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
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Collapse in Istanbul: How did Liverpool throw that game away?
45:50|Andy Jones and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to pick through the collapse against Fenerbahce, including Jeremy Jacquet’s role in the opening goal, Alisson’s uncertain moments and whether playing Bradley Barcola through the middle was a mistake. There was one bright spot, though: Trey Nyoni’s first senior goal. Has the teenager done enough to earn more opportunities? We also discuss Alexis Mac Allister’s comments about his future at Liverpool, which he has described as “painful and awful”.Plus, listeners have been busy writing new Anfield songs and with Crystal Palace away next on Sunday, can Liverpool get back to winning ways before the international break?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Andy JonesProducer: Nick Thomson
Liverpool lose to Arsenal, but is there reason for optimism?
45:04|James Pearce and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to reflect on Sunday’s 1-0 defeat. We discuss Liverpool’s attacking pressure, the lack of shots on target and the controversial penalty incident involving Alexander Isak.We also look at whether there is genuine reason for optimism despite the defeat, and ask whether Liverpool are genuinely closing the gap on the best sides in the Premier League.There’s a special surprise from producer Nick, following the brilliant reaction to listener Sam Lilly’s attempts to write some new songs for the Anfield crowd and with Liverpool heading to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the Champions League, we look ahead to Wednesday’s game.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson
Liverpool on a roll ahead of Arsenal clash
42:07|Andy Jones and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to discuss an action-packed night at Anfield, where Giorgi Mamardashvili and Joe Gomez became penalty-shootout heroes. After 15 spot kicks, it was Wesley Fofana who finally cracked, sending Liverpool through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. But just how much can the Reds take from the win?We hear from listener Sam in New Zealand, who has written some new songs for Liverpool players, including Ronald Araujo. Could any of them become the next Anfield anthem?The guys also pay tribute to Howard Gayle, the trailblazing former footballer who became Liverpool FC’s first Black player, reflecting on his legacy and place in the club’s history.And with Arsenal visiting Anfield on Sunday, we look at what Andoni Iraola must get right against the Premier League champions. Who did enough against Chelsea to earn a starting spot, and can Liverpool make it six wins in a row — and put themselves in the conversation for the title?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcAnd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Andy JonesProducer: Nick Thomson
Rock ’n’ Araujo! Have Liverpool found a new cult hero?
51:55|Andy Jones and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to discuss Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton, including Alexander Isak’s clinical finishing and Bradley Barcola’s brilliant performance.Tony also responds to a passionate listener email defending Florian Wirtz. Is the German receiving too much criticism, and are we finally seeing signs of what he can bring to Liverpool? Also, has Ronald Araujo done enough to become a new cult hero at Anfield?And with Chelsea visiting in the Carabao Cup before a huge Premier League clash with Arsenal, should Iraola take the cup seriously, how much rotation can we expect, and can Liverpool carry their momentum into next weekend?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Andy JonesProducer: Nick Thomson
Rio Ngumoha stars in thrilling European night
49:04|Andy Jones and Gregg Evans join Tony Evans to discuss Rio’s record-breaking performance and where he fits into Liverpool’s long-term plans. Is this the beginning of something special for the 18-year-old?We also debate Florian Wirtz’s encouraging performance, respond to a listener who thinks the German has been receiving too much criticism, and examine Liverpool’s worrying defensive display.Finally, we look ahead to Sunday’s clash with third-placed Brighton at Anfield. Are Liverpool really favourites, and what must Iraola do to stop one of the Premier League’s in-form sides?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony Evans With: Gregg Evans & Andy Jones Producer: Nick Thomson
When will Liverpool sort out Rio Ngumoha's future?
48:16|Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to discuss whether Liverpool are doing enough to secure Rio Ngumoha’s future. After his impact off the bench at Brentford and his breakthrough with England, why hasn’t he had more opportunities under Andoni Iraola? We also look back on the 2-1 win at Brentford. Was Liverpool’s victory a case of winning ugly, and is Alexander Isak’s goalscoring form enough to make up for what he offers elsewhere?The panel also discuss Julian Ward’s return as sporting director and with Villarreal coming to Anfield in the Champions League, we preview Tuesday night’s game, including the reunion between Andoni Iraola and Villarreal head coach Iñigo Perez.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce & Andy JonesProducer: Nick Thomson
Barcola and Wirtz click - now for the Premier League?
44:33|Andy Jones and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to discuss a chaotic 6-3 win over LASK and what it means for Liverpool’s season.Has Barcola finally arrived after a slow start to life at Anfield? Could his growing partnership with Wirtz be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s attack?We also look at the encouraging performances from Liverpool’s young players, including Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, and whether they will feature in the Premier League on Saturday.Brentford away is next — can Iraola’s side build on their European success, or was this just a good night against weaker opposition?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony Evans With: Simon Hughes & Andy Jones Producer: Nick Thomson
Liverpool crumble... but does it mean anything?
41:42|Tony Evans is joined by James Pearce and Simon Hughes to discuss a game that failed to live up to the hype and Liverpool’s collapse after the red card.There’s also a bigger question hanging over the fixture: does any of this really mean anything until we know what punishment Manchester City will face? With City sitting at the top of the Premier League and the verdict still looming over the club, what’s the point of it all?Plus, the guys discuss if the Champions League can offer some much-needed relief as Liverpool travel to Austria to face LASK?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson
Liverpool v Man City: the biggest clash to date?
44:27|The Premier League is back! Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to preview the huge Anfield showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City.City are currently top of the Premier League, with Liverpool sitting sixth, but it’s what’s happening off the pitch that makes this fixture particularly intriguing. How will Anfield react to the verdict against City, and will it add another edge to an already huge occasion?We also discuss the huge amounts of money now being spent in English football, whether the financial bubble is close to bursting and just how sustainable the current ownership model really is.Plus, the guys look at what could be a huge weekend for Andoni Iraola, who is still searching for that statement win at Anfield.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony Evans With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce Producer: Nick Thomson