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Arne Slot requested a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches 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. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, 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 earlier points and decision 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 overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches 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 stage a recovery.