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Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout in a row, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

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 an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from 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, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” 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 in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. This supported his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, 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 engine in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.