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Arne Slot requested another performance like Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory 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 aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits 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.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – 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 better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday 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.