🔗 Share this article Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Target Haaland Arne Slot demanded a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid when the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third clean sheet 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 The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins 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 excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent 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 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 precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.” Reasons for Success Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, 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 previous arguments and decision to prioritize less 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline. The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a back four. Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League. Dominant Display Once more, Szoboszlai served as 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. “Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.” Next Challenge Szoboszlai 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 top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.