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Liverpool's manager has called for a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night 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 driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.