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Arne Slot has called for a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, 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. This supported his earlier points and choice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority 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.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

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

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. 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 mount a comeback.