🔗 Share this article

Arne Slot has called for a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered 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 precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. 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. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance 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 in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.