Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Liverpool's manager requested an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, and securing a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games 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. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning 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 return of the familiar midfield trio 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 defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

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

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored 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 the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.