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Arne Slot requested an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“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 good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. This supported his earlier points and decision to prioritize less 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership 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 flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.