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Liverpool's manager requested another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival 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 excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “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 precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his earlier points and choice 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 welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

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

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.