After Neutralizing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Arne Slot has called for another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the world's best attackers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase 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 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against 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 good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, 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 decision to prioritize less 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 enhanced the protection 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 impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

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

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.