The Liverpool Way Podcast

We all love a big splashy signing and we sure have one in German superstar Florian Wirtz. The Reds shattered their club record for the 22 year old from Bayer Leverkusen, who links up again with his good pal and fellow new signing Jeremie Frimpong. Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards and TLW Editor Dave Usher to bask in the glory of Florian Friday.

Jeremie Frimpong is officially a Red after the club unveiled their first signing of what is likely to be a busy summer. On the day our outgoing right back completed his move to Real Madrid, Liverpool wasted no time in announcing his successor. Chris Smith is joined by Stu Montagu and TLW Editor Dave Usher to discuss the new boy and what he will bring to the table, while the lads also discuss the events - both good and bad - of Monday's parade.

Mo Salah's goal broke yet another record and ensured the Reds avoided defeat on the day they were presented with the Premier League title. 35 years ago it was Alan Hansen lifting the trophy, but this time it was Jocky presenting the trophy to fellow iconic skipper and centre half, Virgil Van Dijk. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by John Gallagher and Dan Thomas to look back on a memorable afternoon at Anfield where - result apart - everything went as well as it could have done, even for Trent. 

There was a game tonight and we have to talk about it, but not for long! There's lots going on at the moment including new signings being in the works as well as the continuing Trent saga. TLW Editor Dave Usher and Ian Brown briefly go over the events at the Amex Stadium tonight, before getting stuck into everything else that's going on. Transfer comings and potential goings, potential tactical changes for next season as well as "the Summer of 66".

The Reds had to settle for a draw after squandering a 2-0 half time lead, but the result was almost a sideshow as all of the headlines will be about the booing of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Chris Smith, Paul Natton and TLW Editor Dave Usher were all at Anfield and experienced first hand what went down, including Reds fighting other Reds in the Kop and players gesturing at the fans to stop booing. Just a thoroughly unpleasant afternoon that was in stark contrast to the joyous scenes of two weeks ago.

After almost a full season of speculation Trent Alexander-Arnold today finally delivered the news that had been expected and feared - he is leaving Liverpool for free in the prime of his career. Chris Smith and Dave Usher have a chat about the situation, covering a wide range of issues including the process behind it, why Trent may be making a decision he lives to regret, the announcement itself and how that was handled as well as what it means for the Reds moving forward.

A much changed Liverpool side conceded early and late in a 3-1 loss at Chelsea that probably wasn't deserved but ultimately doesn't really matter as the title has already been sewn up of course. Dave Usher and Paul Natton discuss the performance, specifically how the fringe players did, and how that it is likely to impact their future with the club moving forward.

You may have heard, but the Reds won the league at the weekend! We did a pod immediately after the Spurs game and promised you a follow up pod after we've had time to take everything in. Well here it is. Chris Smith is joined by TLW Editor Dave Usher as well as Stu Montagu and John Brennan to reflect on the events of Sunday and all of the glorious content to come out in the days that followed.

We've known it for some time but it was finally confirmed as the Reds thrashed sorry Spurs to secure the title in Arne Slot's first season in charge. The scenes at Anfield will stay with everyone for a long time as this was a celebration for the ages. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by most of the lads for this. John Gallagher, Dan Thomas and Paul Natton are there from the start, while others pop in and out or send in voice messages sharing their emotions. We've had worse days haven't we?

Just one more win needed now after Trent Alexander-Arnold came off the bench to win it for the Reds. Despite dominating the game it looked like the goal was never going to come but Trent's strike sparked joyous scenes in the away end and sets it up nicely for next weekend. Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards and TLW Editor Dave Usher to talk a little bit about the game and a lot about Trent and Virgil amongst other stuff.

One step closer. Once again the Reds were unconvincing but cometh the hour cometh the captain, as Virgil Van Dijk headed a late winner to send Arne Slot's men 13 points clear at the top and needing to just two more wins to guarantee the title. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and John Gallagher to look back on another game of two halves, and there's also discussion on the contract situations of Virgil and Trent.

The episode we've been waiting to do all season! Mo Salah has ended months of speculation by agreeing a new deal which will keep him at Anfield for at least the next two years. Chris Smith and TLW Editor Dave Usher drop everything for an emergency pod discussing the news Reds have been hoping for since what seems like forever.

Liverpool slipped to their first away loss of the season as Arne Slot's side shot themselves in the foot with an error strewn first half horror show that left them with too much to do after the break. The second half display was much improved and the Reds could have escaped with a point had Harvey Elliott's shot not struck the woodwork, but overall they can have no complaints. Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards and TLW Editor Dave Usher to dissect the game and discuss some of the wider points, such as why has Elliott not started a single league game all season, and how come the team usually doesn't start playing until the second half?

Diogo Jota's goal was enough to secure the win and send the Reds 12 points clear at the top after another controversial Merseyside derby in which James Tarkowski escaped one of the clearest red cards you'll ever see. Paul Tierney doing Paul Tierney things. With most of the other lads otherwise engaged on a Thursday morning, TLW Editor Dave Usher and Terry McDonald look back on an ultimately satisfying evening that means a 20th League Title is one step closer.

A desperately disappointing outing at Wembley meant it was Newcastle ending a long trophy drought rather than Liverpool adding another League Cup to the collection and a first piece of silverware for Arne Slot. Chris Smith is joined by Dave Usher, Stu Montagu and John Gallagher to traipse through this forgettable final. The lads also talk through the big picture issues raised by this showing, while staying ever mindful that an historic league title triumph remains in sight.

The Champions League dream is over for another year as PSG came to Anfield and turned around the 1-0 deficit from the first leg before dumping the Reds out on penalties. Chris Smith and TLW Editor Dave Usher reflect on a disappointing night in which the result might not have even been the worst thing, as injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibou Konate put their availability for Sunday's Wembley clash with Newcastle in serious danger.

The Reds recovered from a wretched first half to come from a goal down against the Saints and run out comfortable 3-1 winners in the end as a Darwin Nunez strike and two penalties from Mo Salah opened up a 16 point gap at the top. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Julian Richards and Paul Natton to look back on a mixed afternoon in terms of performance, and to look ahead to the massive midweek clash against PSG at Anfield.

Alisson Becker produced a performance for the ages to almost single handedly repel a lively PSG side before Harvey Elliott came off the bench to steal victory with his first touch late on. Chris Smith is joined by Dan Thomas and TLW Editor Dave Usher to reflect on an incredible night in France as the Reds committed the heist of the decade on an impressive PSG who will be wondering just how they didn't win. Alisson. That's your answer. Alisson.

The gap at the top is now 13 points after a comprehensive, dominant 2-0 win over Newcastle at a bouyant Anfield. Szoboszlai and Mac Allister got the goals but it could easily have been more as the Reds laid down a marker ahead of next month's Cup Final date with the Geordies. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Julian Richards for a free-wheeling conversation that eventually covers the game, as well as a whole lot more besides.

What a weekend! The Reds extended their lead at the top to 11 points with a drama-free, professional 2-0 win at the Etihad to take full advantage of Arsenal's slip up the day before. Goals from Salah and Szoboszlai sank the Champions as Arne Slot's tactical flexibility came to the fore. Chris Smith is joined by Stu Montagu and TLW Editor Dave Usher to look back on one of the most satisfying weekends in a long time.

Another draw for the Reds, their sixth in the last 11 games, as goals from Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold ensured the spoils were shared on a frustrating night at Villa Park. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and John Gallagher to look back on an eventful game that could have gone either way in the end, and to look ahead to a massive game at the Etihad this weekend.

Goals from Luis Diaz and Mo Salah restored the Reds' seven point lead at the top of the table, but Wolves made Arne Slot's side work hard for the points on a nervy afternoon at Anfield. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton to look back on a strange afternoon at Anfield, and to look ahead to a big game at Villa Park this Wednesday.

Michael Oliver took centre stage as the last ever derby at Goodison Park ended in complete carnage, with the Reds controversially having victory snatched away from them with the final act of the game, as Curtis Jones, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff were all given red cards after the full time whistle. There's a hell of a lot to get through here, and Chris Smith is joined by Ian Brown and TLW Editor Dave Usher to try and make some sense of it all.

The Reds are no longer competing on four fronts after a second string line up was dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship strugglers Plymouth. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Stu Montagu and Julian Richards to sift through the wreckage of an abysmal performance and to look ahead to the Merseyside Derby in midweek.

The Reds cruised into a Carabao Cup Final meeting with Newcastle after easily overturning a first leg deficit against sorry Spurs.  Chris Smith is joined by John Brennan and TLW Editor Dave Usher to reflect on a satisfying night in which the Londoners were made to pay for over-celebrating at the end of the first leg. We did tell you it was only half time, lads!

Mo Salah's brace gave the Reds the win against an impressive Bournemouth side and extended the lead at the top to nine points. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Julian Richards to look back on a satisfactory afternoon's work for Arne Slot's men, and to wax lyrical about just how sensational a footballer Ryan Gravenberch has become.

A much changed Liverpool line up gave a good account of themselves but came up short against PSV Eindhoven on Cody Gakpo's homecoming. Despite the loss, the Reds still finished in first place and will find out their next opponent on Friday. Chris Smith is joined by TLW Editor Dave Usher to talk Federico Chiesa's lively showing, James McConnell making a big statement and how needlessly complicated this new format appears to be.

The six point cushion at the top remains following a dominant 4-1 win over Ipswich at Anfield, in which Cody Gakpo continued his great goalscoring run at home and Mo Salah moved above Thierry Henry on the all time Premier League goalscorers list. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined for this one by Dan Thomas and John Gallagher as the lads look back on a pleasing afternoon at Anfield, and look ahead to the midweek trip to PSV in the final group game of the Champions League.

The Reds remain top of the CL Group Stage table as goals from Mo Salah and Harvey Elliott ensured they maintained their 100% record with a fairly low key win over Lille at Anfield. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined for this one by Stu Montagu and John Brennan, while we also hear from former Manchester United star John O'Shea as he addresses claims repeatedly made on the pod of him being nutmegged by JB on the school playground.

What a day! Two stoppage time goals from Darwin Nunez turned one point into three and Arsenal's collapse in the evening game saw the Reds end the day with a six point lead with a game in hand. Chris Smith is joined by Paul Natton and TLW Editor Dave Usher to reflect on a dramatic day in the title race and a hell of a day for Darwin and his number one fan Dave.

Diogo Jota came off the bench to rescue a point for the Reds in a hard fought game at the City Ground between the top two sides in the country. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Ian Brown and Julian Richards to recap a stressful night where for a while it was looking like Forest would repeat what they did at Anfield, but in the end they were fortunate to hold on for a point as Liverpool battered them for the much of the second half.

Federico Chiesa bagged his first goal for the club on a day when Rio Ngumoha became the second youngest player to ever play for Liverpool. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Dan Thomas and Paul Natton for immediate match reaction after the Reds ran out comfortable 4-0 winners against the plucky League Two side who gave a decent account of themselves. 

A rare defeat for Arne Slot but thankfully it's only half time and the Reds have the chance to turn this around at Anfield in the second leg. The performance wasn't good but there's a burning sense of injustice about a winning goal that should never have happened. Chris Smith and Dave Usher go through all the main talking points from the game and then look ahead to the FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley this weekend.

Not the result or performance we wanted, as the Reds stuttered and spluttered against a spirited United side who could have actually won it late on. Chris Smith is joined by Ian Brown and TLW Editor Dave Usher to reflect on an emotional roller coaster of a game in which much of the focus afterwards is on the performance of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who stank the place out in a week when he had made himself the centre of attention due to his flirtations with Real Madrid.

The Reds ran riot at West Ham to increase their lead at the top of the table to eight points. Goals from Diaz, Gakpo, Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Jota secured the most comfortable win of the season so far. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and Dan Thomas to reflect on an enjoyable afternoon and to look ahead to next week's clash with Manchester United at Anfield.

The Reds extended their lead at the top with a fairly routine 3-1 win over Leicester at Anfield, as Gakpo, Jones and Salah came up with the goals to cancel out an early opener from Ayew. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined for this one by Ian Brown.

The Reds moved four points clear at the top of the table after hitting Spurs for six. Two each for Salah and Diaz, plus further strikes from Szoboszlai and Mac Allister buried the naive North Londoners and sent a message to the rest of the league that Slot's men mean business. Chris Smith is joined for this one by Julian Richards and Paul Natton.

Something a little different as the lads got together in a swanky recording studio in Liverpool to record a Christmas Special Pod. We discuss the season so far and where it can hopefully lead, there's some Christmas themed content and we answer some listener questions. Most of the gang are here as Chris Smith tries to maintain order between Dave Usher, Dan Thomas, Julian Richards, Paul Natton, John Gallagher, Stu Montagu and Terry McDonald.

Holders Liverpool are into the Carabao Cup semifinals after a win at St Mary's that was probably more comfortable than the scoreline suggested. Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott got the goals and despite the Saints pulling one back after the break, Slot's side held out without any further drama.  TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by John Gallagher and podcast debutant, Peter Schulz.

The Reds twice had to come from behind and had to do it with ten men after an early sending off for Andy Robertson, but in the end Arne Slot's side deserved more than the point they got after a superb second half display. Chris Smith is joined by John Gallagher and Terry McDonald for this one.

Six wins from six, a place in the automatic qualifying places secured, but Arne Slot was far from happy with the performance despite the 1-0 scoreline. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Dan Thomas to chat about this game as well as to look ahead to the weekend visit of Fulham to Anfield and to discuss the news this week that David Coote has been sacked. 

A point gained or two dropped? The case be argued either way as the Reds twice recovered from losing positions to get themselves into a winning one, only to then throw it away in stoppage time. Chris Smith is joined by Dan Thomas and TLW Editor Dave Usher to try and make sense of a wild game at St James' Park, and to then look ahead to this weekend's final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park (probably).

It's been some week. Real Madrid were comfortably seen off in midweek and now City were despatched with the minimum of fuss as the Reds moved nine points clear at the top and eleven ahead of City. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and Ian Brown to reflect on a hell of an afternoon at Anfield. 

What a night! The Reds dominated Real Madrid at Anfield as goals from Mac Allister and Gakpo secured the points to maintain the 100% record in the Champions League and exorcise some of the Madrid inflicted demons. Chris Smith is joined by John Brennan and TLW Editor Dave Usher to reflect on the statement Arne Slot win we've been waiting for, and to look ahead to what will hopefully be another this Sunday.

It was a lot closer than we'd have liked but Mo Salah came through in the clutch again as the Reds overcame Southampton to extend their lead at the top of the league to eight points. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and Stu Montagu to reflect on a strange game at St Mary's and to look ahead to a massive week as Real Madrid and Manchester City both come to Anfield.

David Coote hates Jurgen Klopp. No surprise there, but the idiot actually allowed himself to be filmed saying it. He's been suspended while the flimsy pretence of referee impartiality has now been utterly shattered. Chris Smith and TLW Editor Dave Usher break down one of the wildest stories of recent years. 

Goals from Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah sent the Reds five points clear at the top as Aston Villa were despatched with little fuss in front of a raucous Anfield crowd. Chris Smith is joined by Paul Natton and TLW Editor Dave Usher to look back on another great night for the Arne Slot's side who made it 15 wins from 17 games so far this season. 

A Luis Diaz hat-trick and Cody Gakpo's fourth goal in a week ruined Xabi Alonso's Anfield return as Liverpool swept aside the German Champions with a pulsating second half display. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Dan Thomas and Stu Montagu to reflect on a hell of a night's work by the Reds and discuss whether this is the 'statement win' for Arne Slot we've been waiting on.

The perfect example of "a game of two halves" as the Reds overcame a dreadful first half showing and a 1-0 half time deficit to roar back and win it thanks to goals from Gakpo and Salah after the break. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by John Gallagher and Julian Richards to reflect on a pretty wild afternoon at Anfield that ended with Arne Slot's men back on top of the table.

The Reds progressed to the League Cup quarter-finals thanks to two brilliant strikes from Cody Gakpo, as well as a Luis Diaz goal to see of some late resistance from the home side.  Chris Smith is joined by Stu Montagu and TLW editor Dave Usher to discuss an entertaining game and a decent performance from the much-changed Reds, before looking ahead to the corresponding league fixture at Anfield on Saturday.

Honours even at the Emirates as Mo Salah's second half equaliser earned the Reds a point in a game where neither side will probably be happy with how they played. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and Ian Brown to reflect on a good result but patchy performance that means Liverpool have relinquished top spot to Man City.  The lads also look ahead to the cup game at Brighton in midweek.