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Arne Slot requested an encore of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’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 looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said 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 in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his earlier points and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from 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 centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City 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 the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.