Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

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.com

You can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

We’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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.com

You can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

We’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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.com

You can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

We’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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.com

You can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

We’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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.com

You can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

We’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: James Pearce & Andy Jones
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.