Following Containing Mbappé and Vinícius, Revived Liverpool Hone In On Haaland
Arne Slot has called for a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.
Perfect Remedy for Poor Form
The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.
“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a very in-form team 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 good as a team defensively.”
Key Factors
The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong 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 following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.
- The comeback of last season’s midfield core 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, brought composure and authority to a defence.
- Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.
Dominant Display
Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team.
“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”
Next Challenge
The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.