🔗 Share this article Following Stifling Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Revived Liverpool Hone In On Haaland Arne Slot requested another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes. Ideal Cure for Poor Form The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat. “There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated 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 good as a team defensively.” Reasons for Success Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. 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 previous arguments and decision 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, brought composure and authority to a defence. Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League. Szoboszlai’s Influence Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself as a leader in the team. “Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.” Next Challenge The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.