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Arne Slot has called for another performance like Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

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 looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” 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 on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of 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 following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his earlier points and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said 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 learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.