After Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Revived Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Arne Slot requested another performance like Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’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 a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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 why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again 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. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” 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 learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.