Following Neutralizing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland

Liverpool's manager requested an encore of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also 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 clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a high-flying side 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 – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, 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

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.