🔗 Share this article Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland Arne Slot has called for an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes. Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat. “It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against 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 the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and decision 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline. The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence. Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League. Szoboszlai’s Influence Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.” Looking Ahead The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.