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Liverpool's manager has called for another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention 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 prior to coming 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 dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a high-flying side 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.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up 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 overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling 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 during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack 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 took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.