🔗 Share this article

Arne Slot requested another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. 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 low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against 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

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad 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 full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

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 key figure in Slot’s side.

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

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.