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Arne Slot demanded an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a very in-form team 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. This supported his earlier points and choice to sacrifice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

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

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.