After Containing Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Target Haaland
Arne Slot demanded another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.
Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes
The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. 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 defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.
“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “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 spot-on 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 last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons 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 the familiar midfield trio 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 leadership to a back four.
- Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.
Szoboszlai’s Influence
Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team.
“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”
Next Challenge
The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the summit 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 mount a comeback.
