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It seems that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive contributions is emerging as a minor issue for Liverpool, especially when facing top-tier teams.

It's understandable if coach the Liverpool boss has directed Salah to avoid defensive duties, since positioning himself advanced on the right flank when regaining possession has made him one of the world's deadliest goalscorers.

But, the teammates in support are not providing sufficient defensive support, causing significant challenges for whoever is playing at the right defensive position this season.

Be it Conor Bradley or another player, they end up in trouble due to dealing with a numerical disadvantage on their side.

This was a noticeable weakness on Saturday, leading to Chelsea's decisive goal – and the worry is that more teams will intelligently target this same area.

{'Salah Has License to Skip Defensive Duties'

First of all, it's hard to believe that the manager is instructing the attacker to track back and support his defender.

If Salah was told to follow the opposition's left-back his direct opponent, then this was very evident he wasn't doing it, and Slot would not accept that.

Rather, Slot is allowing Salah the liberty to focus solely on offensive play, which is fine – we've seen many instances of other teams adopting comparable tactics, with individuals who prefer to conserve their stamina for forward moves.

Certainly, there are always certain situations in a game when you are conceding chances and you might take it upon yourself to track back.

I know he can do it, because when they triumphed at Manchester City previously, his defensive performance was outstanding I've seen from him.

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

'The Main Issue Is The Way The Team Are Set Up In Support of Salah'

The issue with his role stems from how the side set up in defensive support, particularly when playing top teams.

His players must offer more and quicker assistance, as it seemed like the opposition were moving the ball upfield and then switching it to their left side, because that's where the gap existed.

When a Liverpool central player went out too late – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he left space in the middle ahead of the back line because they were missing a man from the midfield.

This situation becomes less of a problem when facing teams that they control possession against – evidenced by Liverpool previous success using this way – but they must tighten up as the top sides will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Games'

It isn't as if Salah has altered his duties recently, but because he is not scoring in attack, perhaps the defensive aspect of his performance is more noticeable.

I'm not too concerned about his current performance, as he will improve – history shows – in terms of his goal scoring.

He got into some excellent situations against Chelsea but maybe shot when he should have passed, and vice versa, but those chances will continue and the goals will come.

My main worry with Liverpool currently is their reduced control in matches compared to last season.

It has been a disappointing period for them, of course, not just to lose three matches in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but as the performance levels have not been what we expect.

We must consider extenuating circumstances, certainly, with all the personnel changes in the off-season and the number of players who did not have pre-season, but previously Slot's Liverpool seemed very good at managing games and that is no longer the situation.

It seemed like their defensive shape was solid, and Slot's more ball-retention approach brought better control.

It was an aspect that people instantly saw he had introduced to the squad, in contrast to what it was like under the former coach.

Now, however, I watch them and it appears a bit chaotic. The last half-hour of the Chelsea game was hectic it felt like a cup tie – they had opportunities to secure victory, but conceded several chances too, which is why they ended up losing.

{How Can The Manager Fix Liverpool Problems?

We can identify a several things that are off about the club, and repeatedly notice them losing possession, but I don't see an hopeless situation.

Just because they have several new additions – and varied profiles too – they should not need to change their playing style. They simply require to return to being slightly more patient and calm.

The positive aspect is they are only one point behind table-toppers the front-runners and have opportunity to correct the issues that are underperforming.

The physical element they are lacking will improve as the individuals who missed a full training camp, such as key attackers and full-backs, will reach peak fitness shortly.

Developing effective relationships on the field always takes patience too, be it between the defender and Salah or other key pairings.

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

The reality is what has happened to Liverpool recently will likely happen at some stage to other contenders and rivals this season.

I didn't actually thought City would be in the title race, but if a key attacker remains this hungry and healthy they will compete.

Arsenal, in defence, look excellent again and, in general, after seven games they seem very assured in their performances in all areas – it looks like a continuation of their previous form, with an extra dose of quality and squad strength.

With Liverpool it seems more of a transition at present. But although there is still work to do for them to establish the optimal equilibrium and combinations, it is expected everyone expects them to progress as the campaign advances.