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Arne Slot has called for an encore of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming 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 the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against 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.”

Key Factors

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 losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice to prioritize less 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 defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from 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 excelling this season and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games 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.