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Arne Slot demanded a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy 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: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “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 why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front alongside 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 put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.