🔗 Share this article Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland Arne Slot demanded 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 on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message 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 prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat. “It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side 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 good as a team defensively.” Reasons for Success Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace. The comeback of last season’s midfield core 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 each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a back four. The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League. Dominant Display Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side. “Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.” Looking Ahead The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend 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.