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Arne Slot requested an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as 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 securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said 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 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

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, 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 decision 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 left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.