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Arne Slot has called for another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.