🔗 Share this article After Neutralizing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland Arne Slot demanded another performance like the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes. Ideal Cure for Poor Form Their European win over the Spanish side'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 perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat. “It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a very in-form team 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.” Key Factors Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, 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 sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace. The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense. The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a back four. Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League. Dominant Display Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.” Looking Ahead The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.