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Arne Slot demanded a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side 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 the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses 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 played a part. This supported his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less 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 overdue return 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 impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch 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 last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.