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Arne Slot requested a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, 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 mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night 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 driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding 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 previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.