🔗 Share this article

Arne Slot has called for a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal 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 wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” 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.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and decision to sacrifice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit 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.