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Arne Slot requested another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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.”

Key Factors

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 losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his earlier points and decision to prioritize less 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.