🔗 Share this article After Stifling Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Hone In On Haaland Arne Slot demanded an encore of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies. Ideal Cure for Recent Woes Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming 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 prefers to attack, which doesn't defend 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 last season. “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 as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles 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 after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice 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 left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a back four. The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League. Dominant Display Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team. “Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.” Looking Ahead Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.