After Stifling Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Hone In On Haaland
Arne Slot requested a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.
Perfect Remedy for Poor Form
Their European win 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 what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.
“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”
Key Factors
The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less 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 defense.
- The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a defence.
- Florian Wirtz impressed again 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 engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.
“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.”
Next Challenge
The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.
