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Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

Where is Liverpool's title-winning identity?

James Pearce and Simon Hughes are alongside Tony Evans after the bruising 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield.


The panel ask if Liverpool are now in panic mode with four defeats on the spin, as they pick through a performance full of holes. System-wise, what can Slot change going forward to right the ship?


Plus there's a look at the midweek game away to Frankfurt. Can Wirtz find some form on his return to Germany, and should Salah be dropped following his recent poor displays.


Email: walkon@theathletic.com


Host: Tony Evans

With: James Pearce and Simon Hughes

Producer: Guy Clarke and John Rogers

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  • Does performance at Emirates ease the scrutiny on Slot?

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    James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to discuss a decent night for Liverpool away to the league leaders, albeit one that ends in yet another draw.The panel discuss some improved performance in defence and midfield, but once again question the slightly stagnant attack. And they ask whether this has eased pressure on the manager ahead of a busy month.There’s also time for an FA Cup preview, with the Reds facing Barnsley on Monday, and heartfelt tributes to Liverpool great Kevin Keegan following the revealing of his cancer diagnosis.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & John Rogers
  • From euphoria to agony: Liverpool’s 97th-minute gut punch

    42:34|
    Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to discuss the fallout from a bruising draw at Fulham, asking whether this was one of the most deflating moments of the season and how much responsibility Liverpool must take for another late collapse. The panel debate game management after Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time goal, analyse a blunt first-half display with no shots on target, and assess what Ekitiké’s absence meant for the attack. Plus: the latest on a potential centre back signing, updates on Harvey Elliott’s possible MLS move and a look ahead to a daunting trip to top-of-the-table Arsenal.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • Unbeaten but uninspiring; Reds make flat start to 2026

    40:57|
    Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to discuss Liverpool’s frustrating start to 2026, a goalless draw against Leeds at Anfield.The panel debate whether this felt like two points dropped, assess a quiet showing from Florian Wirtz after his recent breakthrough, and ask whether Hugo Ekitiké was too honest. Should he have gone down to win a penalty?There’s also discussion around Liverpool’s decision to part company with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, what went wrong, and whether early signs of improvement can already be seen. Plus, the latest on January transfers, loaned-out players, squad depth, and a tricky trip to Fulham on Sunday.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony Evans
With: Andy Jones & James Pearce
Producers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • Wunderbar Wirtz stars in Wolves win

    42:00|
    Andy Jones and Gregg Evans join Tony Evans to discuss Liverpool putting three more points in the Christmas stocking with that nervy 2–1 win over Wolves.They reflect on a poignant day at Anfield as both sets of supporters paid tribute to Diogo Jota, before turning attention to Florian Wirtz’s long-awaited first Premier League goal — a moment of quality that finally ended his 23-game wait and hinted at what may be to come. There’s also a discussion around Liverpool’s ongoing struggles at set pieces, Salah watch with Simon Hughes at AFCON, plus what’s in store for Liverpool this January transfer window.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony Evans
With: Andy Jones & Gregg Evans
Producers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • Festive cheer or festive fear? Isak's injury nightmare

    36:22|
    James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to look back on a hard-fought win away at a bad-tempered Tottenham, but questions linger over the cost. The guys discuss the latest on a worrying injury to Alexander Isak and what it could mean for Liverpool’s attacking options in the weeks ahead.With injuries mounting, suspensions biting and depth looking thin, attention turns to the January transfer window. Will Liverpool be forced into spending? James and Andy give us their transfer wish lists as Walk On signs off for the festive break.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Andy JonesProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • Strikers, status & systems: Ekitike’s rise at Liverpool

    39:37|
    James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to break down how Ekitike has established himself as the club’s No.1 up front, and what his rise means for Alexander Isak and the wider dressing-room dynamics?The panel also digs into Arne Slot’s recent tactical tweaks. Is the diamond is here to stay? Which players are thriving in the new system? And how should Liverpool line up for the trip to Tottenham?We also get an update on news this week of Paul Doyle’s prison sentence for the appalling attack at the Liverpool title parade in the summer.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Andy JonesProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • Crisis, what crisis? Salah, Brighton & what comes next

    45:45|
    James Pearce and Oliver Kay join Tony Evans to unpack a calmer Anfield afternoon that still carried big implications. They assess Salah’s impact off the bench, his historic 277th goal involvement for the club — surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record — and what his role against Brighton tells us as he departs for AFCON.Was this a pause in the saga… or the beginning of the end?The conversation then turns bigger and deeper. The panel debate the difference between being a Liverpool legend and leaving a lasting legacy. Is on-pitch brilliance enough? What really defines an all-time great at this club? And how do Salah’s eight years at Anfield compare to figures like Dalglish, Fowler, Gerrard, Suárez & Henderson?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Oliver KayProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • Unity in Milan, uncertainty at Anfield

    43:41|
    Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans for the latest instalment of the Salah saga.Liverpool returned from the San Siro with a vital Champions League win — but the story of the week remains Mohamed Salah’s explosive outburst and uncertain future at Anfield.The guys reflect on Arne Slot’s calm handling of the chaos, Liverpool sticking together in Italy, and what that Slot–Seedorf exchange really tells us about the next steps in the Salah dispute.The panel also look ahead to Saturday at home to Brighton, which some say, could be Mohamed Salah’s last match in the red shirt!Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & Simon HughesProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • What have you done Mo?

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    James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to unpack an explosive weekend at Liverpool, as Mohamed Salah publicly vents his frustrations after the draw at Leeds.The panel debate how relations between Salah and Arne Slot have deteriorated, what this means for the dressing room and the club’s hierarchy, and whether a January exit has suddenly become a real possibility.The guys also reflect on more points dropped, the form of Konaté and Gakpo, Ekitike’s impact, and look ahead to Tuesday’s trip to Milan.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones, Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson