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Arne Slot demanded another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third shutout in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories 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 his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing 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.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority 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.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself 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 remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches 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.