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Arne Slot has called for an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated 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 spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. 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 played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.