Following Containing Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Target Haaland

Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when 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 world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, 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 the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong 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 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 welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit 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.