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Liverpool's manager demanded another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy 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 prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated 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

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his earlier points and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection 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 authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.