🔗 Share this article

Arne Slot has called for 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 game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered 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.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his previous arguments 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 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 leadership to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with 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 well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.