After Containing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Revived Liverpool Hone In On Haaland
Arne Slot requested a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.
Ideal Cure for Recent Woes
The Champions League victory 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 his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.
“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side 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 the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. This supported his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.
- The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
- The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a back four.
- Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.
Dominant Display
Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.
“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 exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”
Next Challenge
Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took 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 beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.
