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It appears that Mohamed Salah's limited defensive work is emerging as a slight issue for Liverpool, particularly against stronger opponents.

I can fully grasp if manager Arne Slot has instructed Salah to avoid defensive duties, since staying high on the right flank when regaining possession has made him one of the world's deadliest strikers.

But, the teammates behind him are not providing sufficient cover, causing significant issues for whoever has been at the right defensive position in recent matches.

Whether it's Jeremie Frimpong or another player, they end up in difficulty due to facing a numerical disadvantage on that flank.

It proved a clear weakness in the recent match, leading to Chelsea's decisive goal – and the concern is that more teams will intelligently target this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given License to Avoid Defence Duties'

Primarily, it's hard to believe that Slot is instructing Salah to help defensively and assist his defender.

Should he was told to mark the opposition's defender his direct opponent, then this was extremely evident he wasn't doing it, and the coach would not accept that.

Rather, the manager is granting him the freedom to concentrate exclusively on offensive play, which is fine – there are numerous instances of other teams adopting similar approaches, with players who prefer to conserve their energy for attacking actions.

Certainly, there are always certain moments in a game when you are conceding chances and one might feel compelled to track back.

It's known he can do it, because during Liverpool triumphed at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was among the best observed from him.

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

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

The issue with his role stems from how the side set up behind him, particularly when playing top opponents.

His teammates must provide more and faster assistance, because it felt like Chelsea were advancing the ball upfield and subsequently switching it to their left side, because that's where the space was.

If a Liverpool central player moved wide belatedly – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he created openings in central areas ahead of the back line because Liverpool were losing a player from the center.

This situation is 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 top sides will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Games'

It is not as if Salah has changed his duties this season, but since he is not scoring at the other end, perhaps the defensive aspect of his game is amplified.

I'm not too concerned about his form, as he will return to form – he always does – in terms of his goal scoring.

He got into some excellent situations versus their opponents but perhaps shot when he should have passed, and vice versa, but those opportunities will continue and the goals will come.

My main worry with the team currently is their reduced command in matches relative to the previous campaign.

It has been a disappointing week for them, naturally, not only to suffer multiple games in a row in the Premier League and European competition but because the performance levels have fallen below expectations.

We must consider mitigating factors, of course, with the numerous squad adjustments in the off-season and the several of players who did not have pre-season, but last season Slot's side appeared very good at managing games and that is no longer the case.

It seemed like their defensive shape was solid, and his more ball-retention style brought better command.

This was an aspect that people immediately saw he had added to the squad, in contrast to what it was like under previous management.

Now, though, observing them and it looks somewhat chaotic. The last half-hour of the Chelsea game was so frenetic it resembled a cup tie – they had chances to win it, but conceded several opportunities too, which is why they ultimately losing.

{How Can Slot Address Liverpool Issues?

We can identify a several aspects that are off about Liverpool, and I keep seeing them losing possession, but I don't see an hopeless scenario.

Just because Liverpool have some new players – and different types too – they don't need to change their playing style. They just need to get back to being slightly more composed and composed.

The positive aspect is they are only one point behind leaders Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the things that are going wrong.

Fitness element they are missing will improve because the players who missed a full pre-season, like midfielders and defenders, will attain peak fitness soon.

Building proper relationships on the field always takes patience too, be it between the right-back and the forward or additional key pairings.

Therefore, there is no reason to panic. It seems like at the moment in the top flight, and not only with Liverpool but with all teams, you are a single match away from 'catastrophe' and scrutiny.

The reality is the recent results to them recently will likely happen at some point to Arsenal and Manchester City as well.

I had not previously thought that side would be in the championship chase, but if their star striker remains motivated and healthy they will compete.

The London club, defensively, appear superb again and, in general, after seven games they appear very comfortable in their performances across the pitch – it looks like a extension of last season, with an added dose of quality and depth.

With Liverpool it seems more of a rebuild at present. But although there is still work to do for them to find the optimal balance and partnerships, I think everyone is anticipating them to progress as the campaign unfolds.