🔗 Share this article

Arne Slot demanded another performance like the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games 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. 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 clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered 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 precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return 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 full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

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

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season 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. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.