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Arne Slot demanded another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against 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 the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice 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 enhanced the protection 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 leadership to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied 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 leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” 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 with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.