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Liverpool's manager demanded another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons 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. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his earlier points and choice 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 backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.