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Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said 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 spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, 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 previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players 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 welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” 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 with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.