Liverpool are determined to demonstrate how far they have come when they face second-placed Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, following a 3-0 defeat to the champions in November, manager Arne Slot said on Thursday.

The Reds head into the clash buoyed by a dominant 4-1 victory over Newcastle United, while City dropped points in a 2-2 draw against 14th‑placed Tottenham Hotspur, having squandered a two-goal lead.

“I mainly remember the game we played at the Etihad, where we were outplayed for large parts of the first half,” Slot told reporters. “This is another moment to see where we are in the development of this team. We know the importance of a result.”

Slot reflected on the factors that contributed to Liverpool’s previous defeat, including a disallowed goal, a VAR-awarded penalty for City, and conceding from a set piece. “These things do affect the game. This time, we want to show a different side of things,” he added.

Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League with 39 points from 24 matches.

“It’s the end phase of the season, so results matter more,” Slot said. “Apart from that first half against City and the game against Palace, we have shown we can compete with every team. We just need more consistency, but we’ve proven we can match the big names.”

Slot confirmed defender Jeremie Frimpong will miss the weekend fixture, while Joe Gomez could return to strengthen the backline.

He also addressed Liverpool’s winter transfer window signings of four central defenders—Jeremy Jacquet, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye, and Noah Adekoya—explaining the club’s forward-thinking strategy.

“Hopefully Virgil can stay fit for multiple years, but this club is not short-sighted,” Slot said. “We know there will be life after Virgil, and that’s true for every position. We’re planning for the long term, not just the short term.”