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Arne Slot has called for another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory 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 the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing 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.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. 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 played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return 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 impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has established himself as a leader in the team.

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

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.