🔗 Share this article

Arne Slot requested an encore of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third shutout in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming 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 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 are facing a very in-form team 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.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday 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.