Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland
Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.
Ideal Cure for Poor Form
The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also 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 poses an obvious, rampant threat.
“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated 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.”
Key Factors
The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his earlier points and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.
- The return of the familiar midfield trio 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 back four.
- Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.
Szoboszlai’s Influence
Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.
“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”
Looking Ahead
Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.
