Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on a damaging draw with Chelsea — and a toxic atmosphere at Anfield.With fans audibly turning on the team, the panel ask whether this is breaking point for Arne Slot.The conversation also turns to the summer ahead. What does Slot mean when he says he knows exactly what the squad is missing?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to dissect another damaging result in the race for the top five. From European euphoria to Premier League frustration, Liverpool were brought crashing back down to earth with defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.The panel explore the now-familiar pattern of Liverpool failing to back up big Champions League performances, with Arne Slot admitting his side once again couldn’t match their previous level. Is this simply fatigue — or a deeper issue with the squad?There’s discussion around defensive errors, the growing injury list with Hugo Ekitike forced off early, and whether the absence of key forwards like Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak has left Liverpool short in attack.Plus, with just one point from their last three league games, the guys assess the state of the top-five race — and whether this side can stumble over the line.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Andy JonesProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to ask the big question: with boos ringing out following Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur, where does this leave Arne Slot?The panel dissect the disappointing performance, the late goal conceded, and the growing frustration among supporters as Liverpool let another opportunity slip. With questions mounting around team selection, squad planning and the mood around the manager, is this becoming a turning point in Slot’s tenure?Plus, attention quickly turns to a huge night in Europe as Liverpool prepare for a season-defining Champions League clash with Galatasaray. Can they keep their campaign alive — and perhaps change the narrative around the season?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Evans and James Pearce join Tony Evans to break down the FA Cup win at Molineux, including Ngumoha’s eye-catching display and whether this is the moment he becomes a genuine first-team option under Arne Slot.The panel also discuss Andy Robertson’s match-winning contribution — a goal and an assist in two electric minutes — and what the left-back had to say about his future at Liverpool FC amid growing competition for places.There’s also reaction to Ryan Gravenberch signing a new six-year deal, a listener question on how busy Liverpool need to be in the summer transfer window, and a look ahead to Tuesday night’s Champions League last-16 clash away to Galatasaray in Istanbul. What must Liverpool do differently to avoid a repeat of their defeat in Turkey earlier this season?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Gregg Evans & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack a goal-fest at Anfield, where set-pieces once again proved decisive — prompting a wider debate sparked by Arne Slot’s claim that dead-ball dominance may be taking some of the joy out of football.The panel dig into standout performances from Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, ask why Liverpool look so dangerous from corners all of a sudden, and question the consistency of VAR decisions after yet another controversial weekend.There’s also a deep dive into Liverpool FC’s newly released financial accounts — record revenues, a Premier League-high wage bill and what it all means for future spending — plus a look ahead to Wolves under the lights on Tuesday night.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack a chaotic final act in Nottingham, from VAR confusion and Alexis Mac Allister’s stoppage-time strike to a worrying first-half display that raised familiar concerns. Did the late winner at the City Ground just paper over the cracks?The panel discuss Florian Wirtz’s late withdrawal, and the impact of Rio Ngumoha off the bench. There’s also no avoiding the Mohamed Salah conversation: a growing goal drought, a smirk when substituted, and a renewed debate over his future and relationship with Arne Slot.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to break down the 3–0 win at Anfield, asking what the strong line-up tells us about Slot’s priorities and whether the FA Cup now carries extra importance this season.Then comes the big conversation. Mohamed Salah’s overall numbers are still strong, but his game looks different. The panel dig into his post-AFCON form, his creative output, his relationship with Slot, and where he could be playing football next season if this is to be his last with Liverpool.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.