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It appears that Mohamed Salah's lack of defensive work is emerging as a slight issue for Liverpool, especially against stronger teams.

I can fully grasp if coach the Liverpool boss has instructed Salah to avoid defensive duties, since positioning himself advanced on the right flank during transitions has established him as one of the world's most dangerous goalscorers.

But, the players in support are not providing sufficient cover, causing numerous challenges for anyone has been at right-back in recent matches.

Whether it's Conor Bradley or Dominik Szoboszlai, they often find themselves in trouble due to dealing with a 2v1 overload on their side.

This was a clear weakness on Saturday, leading to Chelsea's winning goal – and the worry is that more teams will intelligently target this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given License to Skip Defensive Duties'

Primarily, I doubt that Slot is instructing Salah to help defensively and assist his right-back.

If he had been instructed to mark Chelsea's defender his direct opponent, then it was extremely evident he did not comply, and Slot would not tolerate that.

Instead, the manager is allowing him the freedom to concentrate solely on attacking play, which is fine – there are numerous instances of other teams using comparable tactics, with individuals who choose to save their stamina for forward actions.

Certainly, there are always certain situations in a game when the team is conceding chances and one might feel compelled to help out.

I know he can do it, since during they triumphed at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was outstanding observed from him.

But, he likely been specifically asked to perform that role on that day, which is why I don't blame him if he is asked to remain advanced.

'The Real Problem Is The Way The Team Are Structured Behind Salah'

The concern with Salah stems from how Liverpool set up behind him, particularly when playing top opponents.

His players need to provide more and faster help, as it seemed like Chelsea were advancing the ball upfield and then switching it to their left, since that's where the gap existed.

When a their central player moved wide belatedly – be it Ryan Gravenberch – then he created space in central areas ahead of the back line because they were losing a player from the center.

All this is less critical when facing teams that you dominate the ball against – evidenced by Liverpool previous success playing such tactics – but they must tighten up as the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Control of Matches'

It is not as if he has altered his duties this season, but since he is not scoring in attack, perhaps the defensive aspect of his game is more noticeable.

I am not overly worried about his current performance, because he will return to form – history shows – in terms of his finishing.

He got into some excellent positions versus their opponents but maybe shot when he could have assisted, and the opposite, but those opportunities will keep coming and the goals will come.

The biggest concern with Liverpool at the moment is their lack of command in matches relative to last season.

It has been a frustrating week for them, of course, not just to lose three games in a row in the domestic league and Champions League but as the performance levels have fallen below expectations.

We must consider mitigating factors, certainly, with all the squad adjustments in the summer and the several of players who did not have preparatory training, but previously Slot's side seemed so effective at controlling matches and that is no longer the situation.

It felt like their defensive shape was solid, and Slot's more possession-based approach brought greater command.

It was something that people instantly noticed he had introduced to the team, compared to what it was like under previous management.

Currently, though, I watch them and it appears somewhat disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the Chelsea game was so frenetic it felt like a cup tie – they had chances to secure victory, but conceded several chances too, which is why they ultimately losing.

{How Can Slot Address Liverpool Problems?

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

Even though they have several new players – and varied profiles too – they should not need to alter their approach. They simply require to get back to being a bit more patient and composed.

Good aspect is they are only one point behind leaders the front-runners and have time to correct the issues that are underperforming.

Fitness element they are missing will improve as the individuals who missed a full pre-season, such as key attackers and defenders, will attain peak fitness shortly.

Building effective relationships on the field always takes patience too, be it between the defender and the forward or additional important pairings.

So, there is no need to overreact. It seems like currently in the Premier League, and not just with this team but with every side, you are a single match away from 'catastrophe' and scrutiny.

The truth is what has happened to Liverpool recently will probably happen at some stage to other contenders and Manchester City as well.

I had not actually thought City would be in the title race, but if their star striker stays this hungry and healthy they will be in contention.

Arsenal, defensively, look excellent again and, in general, after seven games they appear very comfortable in their performances in all areas – it looks like a extension of last season, with an added layer of talent and squad strength.

With Liverpool it feels like more of a rebuild at present. But while there is ongoing work to do for them to establish the right balance and partnerships, I think all is anticipating them to progress as the campaign advances.