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Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong 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 after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his earlier points and decision 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership 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. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend 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.