After Stifling Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Arne Slot requested another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against 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.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.