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Arne Slot demanded an encore of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders visit Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing another of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's declaration 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 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits 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,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and decision 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 back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.