After Containing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Arne Slot demanded another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered 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 precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio 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 authority to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.