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Arne Slot has called for a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot'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 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice to sacrifice 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.