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It appears that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive work is emerging as a minor issue for the Merseyside club, especially against top-tier teams.

I can fully grasp if manager the Liverpool boss has directed Salah to avoid defensive duties, because staying high on the right side during transitions has established him as one of the global deadliest goalscorers.

However, the players behind him fail to offer adequate cover, causing significant challenges for anyone has been at the right defensive position in recent matches.

Whether it's Conor Bradley or Dominik Szoboszlai, they end up in trouble due to facing a numerical disadvantage on that flank.

This was a clear weakness in the recent match, leading to Chelsea's winning goal – and the concern is that other sides will smartly exploit this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given License to Skip Defence Work

First of all, I doubt that the manager is instructing Salah to track back and support his defender.

Should Salah was told to follow Chelsea's left-back Marc Cucurella, then it was extremely evident he wasn't doing it, and Slot would not accept that.

Instead, Slot is allowing Salah the liberty to concentrate exclusively on offensive duties, which is acceptable – there are numerous instances of other teams using comparable approaches, with players who prefer to conserve their energy for forward actions.

Yes, there are always specific moments in a game when you are under pressure and one might take it upon yourself to help out.

I know Salah is capable, because during they won at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was outstanding I've seen from him.

However, he likely been instructed to do so on that day, which is why I don't blame him if he is told to remain advanced.

'The Real Problem Is How Liverpool Are Structured Behind Salah'

The issue with his role stems from how the side are organized in defensive support, particularly when playing stronger teams.

His players need to offer better and faster assistance, because it felt like Chelsea were moving the ball forward and subsequently switching it to their left, since that's where the space was.

When a their central player moved wide belatedly – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he left openings in central areas in front of the defence because Liverpool were losing a player from the center.

This situation becomes less of a problem when facing teams that they control the ball against – evidenced by their past league wins playing this way – but they must tighten up because the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Matches'

It isn't as if Salah has altered his duties recently, but since he is not scoring at the other end, maybe the defensive aspect of his performance is more noticeable.

I am not overly concerned about his form, as he will improve – history shows – in terms of his goal scoring.

He found great situations versus Chelsea but maybe shot when he could have assisted, and vice versa, but those chances will continue and the goals will come.

My main concern with Liverpool currently is their lack of command in matches relative to the previous campaign.

This has been a frustrating period for them, naturally, not just to suffer multiple matches in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but because the display standards have not been what we expect.

There are mitigating factors, certainly, with all the squad adjustments in the summer and the number of players who did not have pre-season, but previously Slot's side seemed very good at controlling matches and that is not the case.

It felt like their organization was solid, and his more ball-retention approach brought better command.

This was an aspect that observers immediately saw he had introduced to the team, in contrast to what it was like under the former coach.

Now, though, I watch them and it appears somewhat disorganized. The last half-hour of the Chelsea match was hectic it resembled a cup tie – they had opportunities to secure victory, but gave away many chances too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can Slot Address Liverpool Problems?

We can identify a several things that are off about Liverpool, and repeatedly notice them giving the ball away, but I don't see an hopeless situation.

Even though they have some new players – and varied profiles too – they should not need to change their approach. They just need to return to being a bit more composed and composed.

The positive aspect is they are just one point adrift of table-toppers the front-runners and have time to fix the issues that are underperforming.

The physical element they are lacking will improve because the individuals who missed a proper training camp, such as midfielders and full-backs, will attain optimal condition shortly.

Developing proper relationships on the pitch always takes time too, whether it be between the defender and the forward or additional important combinations.

So, there is no reason to overreact. It feels like currently in the Premier League, and not just with Liverpool but with every side, you are only one week away from 'catastrophe' and scrutiny.

The truth is the recent results to them recently will likely happen at some stage to Arsenal and Manchester City this season.

I didn't actually believed that side would be in the championship chase, but if their star striker remains motivated and healthy they will be in contention.

Arsenal, in defence, appear excellent again and, in general, after several matches they seem very assured in what they are doing in all areas – it looks like a continuation of their previous form, with an added layer of talent and depth.

For them it seems more of a transition right now. But although there is ongoing work to do for them to find the right equilibrium and combinations, I think everyone expects them to progress as the campaign unfolds.