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Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, 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 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 excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against 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 good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness 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

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games 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 mount a comeback.