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Arne Slot demanded a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third shutout in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming 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 perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated 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.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – 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 the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice to sacrifice 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 overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack 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. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.