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Arne Slot requested a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the game’s finest strikers, 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

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches 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. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing 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 good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. 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 prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio 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, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.