Following Containing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Rejuvenated Liverpool Target Haaland

Liverpool's manager requested another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, 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 Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered 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 good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles 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. They backed up his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players 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 authority 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 engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

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

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.