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Arne Slot has called for another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games 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. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” 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 on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning 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 choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, 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. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting 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 playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.