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Arne Slot demanded another performance like Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’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 a difficult spell of his tenure. 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 clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing 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 explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations 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 last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a back four.
• 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 driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“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 remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.