🔗 Share this article Following Stifling Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Revived Liverpool Target Haaland Arne Slot has called for an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes. Ideal Cure for Recent Woes Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess. “There will be some similarities,” said 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 The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses 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. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace. The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense. The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence. The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League. Szoboszlai’s Influence Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.” Next Challenge Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.