🔗 Share this article

Liverpool's manager demanded another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” 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 in form. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at left-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 from 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 currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top 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.