Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Rejuvenated Liverpool Hone In On Haaland

Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats 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. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as 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. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season 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 mount a comeback.