🔗 Share this article Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland Arne Slot demanded an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes. Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat. “There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing 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 good as a team defensively.” Reasons for Success The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice 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 full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a defence. Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League. Szoboszlai’s Influence Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.” Next Challenge Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.