🔗 Share this article After Neutralizing Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland Arne Slot has called for an encore of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes. Perfect Remedy for Poor Form The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, 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 excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess. “There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered 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 good as a team defensively.” Reasons for Success Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice to sacrifice 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 backline. The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence. The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League. Dominant Display Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side. “Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.” Looking Ahead Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games 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 mount a comeback.