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Liverpool's manager requested an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said 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 on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his earlier points and decision to prioritize less 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“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 skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”

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 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.