After Containing Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Arne Slot requested an encore of the team's showing against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side 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 good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.