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

Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, 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. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats 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 decision 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 overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place 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 during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.