🔗 Share this article Following Containing Mbappé and Vinícius, Revived Liverpool Target Haaland Arne Slot demanded an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies. Ideal Cure for Poor Form The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches 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, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat. “There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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 solid collectively defensively.” Reasons for Success The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline. The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence. The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League. Dominant Display Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.” Looking Ahead Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games 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.