🔗 Share this article

Arne Slot demanded an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen 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 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” 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.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, 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 previous arguments and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership 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 driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.