After Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Hone In On Haaland

Arne Slot requested a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus 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 on Sunday. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention 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 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “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 good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice to sacrifice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

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

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.