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Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as 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,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “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 good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his earlier points and choice to sacrifice 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again 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 engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.