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Liverpool's manager demanded another performance like the team's showing against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival 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,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a high-flying side 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, 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 choice 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, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.