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Liverpool's manager has called for another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration 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 before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

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. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. This supported his earlier points 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. 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 during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.