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Arne Slot requested another performance like Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. For 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, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches 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. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival 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,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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 precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice 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 backline.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from 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 excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.