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Arne Slot requested an encore of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy 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. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – 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 following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker 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 engine in the centre. His national team skipper 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 energy he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February took 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.