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Arne Slot has called for an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories 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 his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” 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 in form. 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 – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations 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 the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches 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.