Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland
Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.
Ideal Cure for Recent Woes
Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. 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 defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.
“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing 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 solid collectively defensively.”
Reasons for Success
Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, 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 earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad 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 defense.
- The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
- 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
Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure 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 incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”
Looking Ahead
The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.