The Liverpool Way Podcast

Part Two of the TLW Time Team's look back at the reign of Gerard Houllier focuses on the 2001 Treble. Dan Thomas and John Gallagher are joined by Chris Smith for this extended deep dive into one of the most memorable seasons in club history.

The TLW Time Team duo of Dan Thomas and John Gallagher are back with the first of a three part special looking back on the late, great Gerard Houllier and his time as Liverpool manager. The first part looks at the Frenchman’s arrival, the ill fated ‘joint manager’ relationship with Roy Evans and GH's first full season in charge when the seeds were sown for what was to come.

The Reds wasted no time in replacing outgoing Head Coach, Arne Slot, as former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was appointed on a two year deal re-united him with Sporting Director Richard Hughes. Chris Smith is joined by Paul Natton and TLW Editor Dave Usher to discuss the appointment and how the mood of the fanbase has been lifted by the promise of a return to the high energy, pressing football Anfield demands.

After a week of speculation and uncertainty, Arne Slot's future was finally decided as FSG stepped in and put an end to his two year stint as Liverpool's head coach. Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards, Ian Brown and TLW Editor Dave Usher to discuss the news, as well as assess Slot's time at the club and speculate on what comes next for him and the Reds.

The Reds ended the season with another disappointing result at Anfield but this wasn't a day for worrying about that as it was all about saying goodbye to departing club legends Mo Salah and Andy Robertson. Chris Smith is joined by TLW Editor Dave Usher and Chris Bascombe from the Daily Telegraph to reflect on an emotional afternoon at Anfield and to ponder on what happens next and who else may or may not be departing with Mo and Robbo.

Dan Thomas and John Gallagher are back with another Time Team pod, this time looking back at the 2006 FA Cup Final, which took place 20 years ago this month. The lads look back at the season as a whole, the main characters, the storylines and the road to Cardiff that led to one of the most iconic individual performances in club history.

Defeat number 19 of the season was as predictable as many of the others as Villa ran all over the Reds in the second half and leapfrogged them into fourth spot in the table, securing Champions League football in the process. Seven defeats and a draw against the other sides in the top nine away from home. Still, Arne says he knows how to fix it so nothing to see here, move along. Move along. Julian Richards steps up to the plate again to join TLW Editor Dave Usher in discussing another miserable away day.

Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring early but it was all downhill from there as Chelsea came back to equalise and put a halt to their six game losing streak in front of a very disgruntled Anfield crowd who made their feelings clear with boos at half time, full time and when Arne Slot subbed Rio Ngumoha. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by John Gallagher and Paul Natton to look back on another unsatisfactory afternoon for the Reds.

Defeat number 18 on the season as the Reds came back from two goals down to concede again and slip to a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford. The first half was dreadful, the second half was better but ultimately Arne Slot's side came up short yet again. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Julian Richards to pick through the bones of another disappointing loss in a season full of them.

The Reds have all but secured Champions League football for next season after a tense 3-1 win over bogey club Palace at Anfield in which Freddie Woodman emerged as the unlikely hero. Paul Natton joins TLW Editor Dave Usher to reflect on the three points, the emergence of a new cult hero, a goal for Robbo as well as both big money summer signings getting on the scoresheet together for the first time.

It's happened again! Another stoppage time winner to break Evertonian hearts, with this one coming from the skipper in the 11th added on minute. The Reds have a firm grip on a Champions League spot while Everton have seen a three point gap increase to an eight point in in just seven days. Chris Smith is joined by John Gallagher and TLW Editor Dave Usher for this one. 

A sad and predictable end to the Reds' Champions League campaign. PSG weathered the mildest of storms before finishing the job to secure a 4-0 margin of victory that probably should have been even greater given their profligacy last week in Paris. Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards and TLW Editor Dave Usher to look back on the 17th loss of an utterly miserable season.

Goals from Rio Ngumoha and Mo Salah gave the Reds a much needed win over Fulham at Anfield to provide a confidence boost ahead of the midweek clash with PSG. TLW Editor Dave Usher and Dan Thomas dry themselves off after a wild full time downpour to recap a fairly comfortable afternoon for Arne Slot and his team.

It was 'only' 2-0 but let's face it, that was a hammering. The Reds are technically still in the tie but it's hard to see a way back given how vastly superior the reigning European Champions looked against Arne Slot's struggling side. Chris Smith is joined by TLW Editor Dave Usher to discuss yet another defeat in a season full of them.

Things continue to go downhill fast for the Reds as Arne Slot's men were trounced 4-0 at Manchester City to crash out of the FA Cup. Despite making an encouraging start to the game, the players visibly just gave up after falling behind and it was far too easy for City in the end. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Julian Richards and Terry McDonald for a look back at this debacle, including the actions of Ekitike and Szoboszlai, which leads to a wider discussion about the erosion of culture at the club. There is also a look ahead to PSG in midweek. *shudders*

Dan Thomas and John Gallagher are back for another stroll down memory lane as the second episode of TLW Time Team focuses on an all time classic game. This time it's the iconic "Collymore closing iiiiiiiiinnnnnnn" 4-3 win over Newcastle. We all remember it, and Dan and John relive that night as well as the wider context around it, where they were at in their own lives at the time and how the season played out before and after. We also learn what Dan's nickname was in school, and it's a belter.

Another away day, another defeat. The Reds followed up their impressive performance in midweek with a dismal second half showing to slip to a 2-1 loss at Brighton. The scoreline flattered Arne Slot's men as it could easily have been much worse. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and John Gallagher to look back on another deflating loss - the 10th in the league so far this season - and to discuss whether there will be any action taken by the club in this upcoming international break.

Well that's more like it! The Reds bounced back from recent disappointments by producing arguably their most complete 90 minute performance of the season to completely overwhelm Galatasaray. Chris Smith and Dave Usher reflect on a rare enjoyable night at Anfield in which Arne Slot's side played with the kind of high tempo and intensity that has been so notably absent all season. Is this a one off or a sign of better things to come?

Was this a new low point in a season full of them? Spurs were the butt of everybody’s jokes going into this game, but they were the ones laughing at full time after Richarlison of all people popped up with a last minute equaliser in front of the Kop. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and Julian Richards to dissect another wretched day for the Reds.

It's happened again. Another away game at Galatasaray, another 1-0 defeat, another game that was wide open yet we somehow failed to score. Thankfully we have the chance to turn things around at Anfield next week. TLW Editor Dave Usher is jopined by John Gallagher for this one. 

We're back after a technical disaster caused our last Wolves pod to be lost in the internet wilderness forever. Thankfully this one sees us with a win to talk about as the Reds banished the disappointment of midweek to set the record straight against the Premier League's bottom club.  Chris Smith is joined by Paul Natton and Dave Usher to reflect on a night in which Rio Ngumoha shone, Curtis Jones gave a reminder of what he has to offer and Andy Robertson scored what may well prove to be his last ever Liverpool goal *wipes tear*

The Reds moved back into the Champions League qualification positions by putting five past West Ham and in the process showed that maybe they're finally getting the hang of this set-piece lark. Three goals came from corner kicks, and that ultimately proved the difference in what was otherwise an even contest. Chris Smith is joined by John Gallagher and TLW Editor Dave Usher to reflect on this game, to look ahead to the next one and to also answer some questions from you the listeners.

Alexis Mac Allister's dramatic 97th minute winner gave the Reds an undeserved but hilarious win at the City Ground as Arne Slot recorded his first win against Forest. The first half performance was dreadful but things did improve after the break and the three points are most welcome. Chris Smith is joined by TLW Editor Dave Usher to discuss this one and to look ahead to West Ham at Anfield next week.

Goals from Curtis Jones, Dom Szoboszlai and a Mo Salah penalty secured passage through to the next round of the FA Cup as the Reds comfortably dealt with Brighton at Anfield. Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and Dan Thomas to look back at the game and preview next week's trip to Nottingham Forest.

Virgil Van Dijk's header ensured the Reds bounced back from the weekend loss to Manchester City and ended Sunderland's unbeaten home record in the process. While not being a classic performance, it was a good three points built on an excellent defensive effort. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Terry McDonald to look back on this game and to look ahead to the FA Cup clash at the weekend.

The Reds looked to have this game won thanks to Dom Szoboszlai's latest special free-kick, but a late collapse saw Manchester City walk away with all three points to record a rare win at Anfield. Chris Smith is joined by Dan Thomas and TLW Editor Dave Usher to look back on another deflating loss in a season full of them.

The Reds overcame an uninspiring opening half an hour that saw them fall behind to bounce back emphatically with a 4-1 win over Newcastle in which once again the flourishing partnership of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike came to the fore.  Ekitike scored twice and Wirtz added a third before an emotional Ibou Konate honoured his late father with a goal at the Kop end. TLW Editor Dave Usher and Paul Natton look back on an enjoyable night at Anfield and look ahead to what will hopefully be another against City next week.

Six goals and a clean sheet for the Reds as they continued to show that the open brand of Champions League football suits them far better than the attritional set-piece warfare of domestic football. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Stu Montagu and Pete Schulz to reflect on a fun evening, while also looking ahead to the weekend's clash with Newcastle and discussing the broader topic of injuries, transfers (or lack of) and Arne Slot's future.

The Reds' unbeaten limp came to an abrupt end as Bournemouth scored with the very last kick of the game to win at the Vitality Stadium. Liverpool had come from 2-0 to level but the closing stages were end to end and both teams had chances to win it before the Cherries' last gasp goal. Chris Smith and Dave Usher react to a tough one and discuss how this five game winless run in the league might impact the job security of Arne Slot.

Another good night in Europe saw the Reds come away with an impressive 3-0 win to put themselves in a great position to secure a spot in the knockout stages without having to go through the playoff route.  Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards and TLW Editor Dave Usher to look back on a satisfying night in which the summer signings continued their excellent good form of late, Dom Szoboszlai scored a clever free-kick and Mo Salah returned to the fold following AFCON. We even had a 'cut inside and score' moment from Cody!

A fourth consecutive draw in the league but the unbeaten limp extends to 12 games. In fairness, the performance was much better than the result and there was a lot to like, specifically the performance of Florian Wirtz who was outstanding. Julian Richards joins TLW Editor Dave Usher to look back on this one and look ahead to Marseille in midweek.

Four excellent goals lit up an otherwise fairly drab evening at Anfield as the Reds booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round where they will face Brighton. Szoboszlai went from hero to villain in one half, while Wirtz and ekitike both came off the bench to score late on. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and Dan Thomas to look back on this game, as well as react to the news that Xabi Alonso is now on the market and discuss how that might impact Arne Slot's position.

A bore draw in which the Reds comfortably kept the league leaders in check while offering very little goal threat of their own. Still, a point at Arsenal is nothing to be sniffed at, especially when your entire forward line is missing. Chris Smith is joined by Dave Usher to discuss a somewhat encouraging showing marred by what looks like a bad injury to poor Conor Bradley.

Cody Gakpo's stoppage time goal had looked to have given the Reds victory at Fulham only for a once in a lifetime strike from Harrison Reed to deny Arne Slot's men at the death. In truth, a draw was a fair result.  Chris Smith is joined by TLW Editor Dave Usher to look back on this one and preview this week's ominous looking trip to Arsenal.

The unbeaten run stretches to eight but it was a tough watch as Liverpool and Leeds barely landed a glove on eachother in a New Year's Day bore draw at Anfield. Ian Brown and Julian Richards join TLW Editor Dave Usher to reflect on a real snoozefest to kick 2026 off.

And now for something completely different! Join TLW's number one Dan Thomas and the resident left peg John Gallagher for a stroll down memory lane in the maiden voyage of TLW Time Team! The boys go back in time all the way to 1995 to remember the 1995 Coca Cola Cup triumph as they reminisce about two legged round two ties, goalkeepers wearing caps and iconic Barry Davies commentary.  

The Reds are up to fourth after first half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz secured the points against Wolves at Anfield. The first half performance was good, the second not so much, but it's seven games unbeaten now and Wirtz is off the mark at last. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton to reflect on the game and look ahead to the clash with Leeds on New Year's Day.

Well, it was a win. Not pretty. Not convincing, but it's three points and the Reds are now up to fifth spot and level on points with fourth placed Chelsea after edging out a Spurs side who ended the game with nine men but still had the Champions hanging on grimly. TLW Editor Dave Usher and Julian Richards look back on this one and try to find some positive things to say after first getting all of the obvious negatives out of the way. Isak scored, so there is that. And Hugo continued his hot streak, so there's that too. And at least we're not Tottenham.

A clean sheet and a Hugo Ekitike double ensured the Reds picked up a much needed three points to extend the unbeaten run to five games and take Arne Slot's men into the top six for the first time in what feels like months. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Ian Brown and John Gallagher to look back on a pretty eventful afternoon at Anfield in which Mo Salah got back onto the field, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch excelled in the middle of the park and Hugo cemented his position as the main man up front. 

A late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty gave the Reds a much needed and well deserved win in the San Siro against Inter. Arne Slot has had a torrid week but he got exactly what he would have wanted from his players as they restricted Inter to virtually no chances while inflicting their first European home loss for three years. Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards and TLW Editor Dave Usher to look back on a rare feel good win in what has otherwise mostly been a miserable few months. The lads also discuss the continuing Salah drama and whether it can be resolved.

Liverpool's miserable run continued with a 3-3 draw at Leeds on Saturday night. The Reds led 2-0 and 3-2 but, predictably, couldn't hold onto the chance to hop into the Champions League qualification spots. However, the bigger story came afterwards with Mo Salah's explosive and unprecedented post-match attack on the manager that throws his Anfield future into deep doubt. Dave Usher, Ian Brown and Chris Smith respond in real time as the news broke.

Another disappointment at Anfield as the Reds struggled to a draw against newly promoted Sunderland. The visitors were well worth a point and would have taken all three but for the irrepressible desire and commitment of Federico Chiesa who chased back to prevent a certain goal in stoppage time. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Julian Richards and Paul Natton to reflect on yet another uninspiring performance and where we are headed next.

A first Premier League goal as a Red for Alexander Isak and a stoppage time strike from Cody Gakpo secured a much needed win for under pressure Arne Slot at West Ham, as Florian Wirtz caught the eye with a lively performance. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Dan Thomas and Peter Schulz to discuss a rare win for the struggling Reds that can hopefully be the first step on the road to recovery.

Wow. How bad can this get? As if a 3-0 loss at home to Forest at the weekend wasn't bad enough, the Reds followed it up with a humiliating 4-1 reversal against a vibrant PSV side who took full advantage of Arne Slot's shellshocked side. Chris Smith is joined by Stu Montagu and TLW Editor Dave Usher to try to dissect this shocker.

Another game another loss. Probably the worst one yet, 3-0 at Anfield to a team that went into the game in 19th place. An abject performance in all aspects of the game saw the Reds deservedly lose as the crisis for Arne Slot deepens. Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards and TLW Editor Dave Usher for this one.

A miserable afternoon at the Etihad as the Reds failed to build on the impressive midweek win against Real Madrid and instead produced arguably their worst display of the season.  Defensively weak, insipid in attack and not helped by Michael Oliver doing Michael Oliver things on VAR, it was a depressing way to go into the international break and there's still lots of work to be done to turn this around. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Paul Natton and Dan Thomas to try and make sense of another dreadful display.

Alexis Mac Allister's second half header finally broke the resistance of Thibault Courtois and secured an impressive win for the Reds in what was clearly their best performance of the season so far. Chris Smith is joined by TLW Editor Dave Usher and Julian Richards to bask in the glow of a memorable night at Anfield in which Conor Bradley gave Vinicius Jr the Mbappe treatment, the midfield trio dominated and Florian Wirtz impressed on the left of the front three. 

A much improved defensive showing laid the platform for a much needed win over Aston Villa at Anfield that ended a run of four straight league defeats and took the Reds back up into the top three. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by John Gallagher and Terry McDonald to discuss a decent night's work at Anfield in which some key players returned to form just in time for a big week ahead. 

The Reds miserable run continued as Kryptonite Palace once again did their thing. A much weakened Liverpool line up never stood a chance against the FA Cup holders and the mix of bench players and kids were predictably and ruthlessly exposed by Oliver Glasner's side. We let Arne Slot select our line up for this pod so everyone has the night off and some random kids have been thrown in at the deep end. Not really, we wouldn't do that to our listeners. Chris Smith and Dave Usher break down this one.

Another weekend another defeat. Four in a row now as the Reds are in complete freefall. A poor performance saw Arne Slot's side twice trail Brentford by two goals and although Mo Salah struck late on, it proved to be no more than a consolation goal on the latest miserable trip to London. TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by Ian Brown and Stu Montagu to talk through a number of big topics from tactics to mentality to Andy Robertson's comments about the lack of fight being shown.