Following Containing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Hone In On Haaland

Liverpool's manager requested another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, 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. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

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

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.