🔗 Share this article After Stifling Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Resurgent Liverpool Focus On Haaland Arne Slot demanded another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, and 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 Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from 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 carries an obvious, rampant threat. “There will be some similarities,” stated 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 in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.” Reasons for Success Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned 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 following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his earlier points 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 defense. The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence. Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League. Szoboszlai’s Influence Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in the team. “Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.” Next Challenge The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February 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 defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.