🔗 Share this article

Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’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 a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.