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It seems that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive work has turned into a minor issue for Liverpool, particularly against stronger teams.

It's understandable if manager the Liverpool boss has instructed Salah not to track back, since positioning himself advanced on the right side during transitions has established him as one of the global most dangerous goalscorers.

However, the players in support fail to offer adequate cover, creating significant issues for anyone is playing at the right defensive position in recent matches.

Whether it's Conor Bradley or another player, they often find themselves in trouble due to facing a numerical disadvantage on that flank.

This was a clear vulnerability on Saturday, leading to Chelsea's decisive goal – and the concern is that more teams will intelligently exploit this weak spot.

{'Salah Has License to Skip Defence Work

Primarily, it's hard to believe that Slot is telling Salah to track back and support his right-back.

Should Salah was told to follow Chelsea's defender Marc Cucurella, then this was extremely obvious he wasn't doing it, and the coach would not accept that.

Instead, Slot is allowing him the freedom to focus solely on offensive duties, which is acceptable – there are many examples of other teams using comparable tactics, with players who choose to conserve their stamina for attacking moves.

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

It's known he is capable, since during Liverpool triumphed at Manchester City last season, his defensive performance was outstanding observed from him.

However, he must have been specifically asked to do so on that day, which is why I don't blame him if he has been told to stay forward.

'The Main Problem Is The Way Liverpool Are Set Up In Support of Salah'

The concern with his role is more about how the side set up behind him, particularly against stronger opponents.

His players must provide more and quicker assistance, as it felt like Chelsea were advancing the ball forward and then shifting it to their left side, since that's where the space was.

If a their midfielder moved wide belatedly – whether it be Alexis Mac Allister – then he left openings in the middle in front of the back line because they were losing a man from the midfield.

This situation is less of a problem when playing opponents that you dominate the ball against – evidenced by Liverpool previous league wins using this way – but they must improve because the top sides will take advantage.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Games'

It is not as if Salah has altered his role this season, but since he is failing to find the net at the other end, perhaps the defensive aspect of his performance is more noticeable.

I'm not too concerned about his current performance, because he will return to form – history shows – in terms of his goal scoring.

He got into some excellent situations versus Chelsea but perhaps took a chance when he could have assisted, and vice versa, but those opportunities will keep coming and the scores will follow.

My main concern with Liverpool currently is their lack of control in games relative to last season.

This has been a frustrating week for them, naturally, not just to suffer multiple matches in a row in the Premier League and European competition but as the display standards have not been expectations.

We must consider extenuating circumstances, certainly, with all the squad adjustments in the off-season and the number of individuals who did not have pre-season, but previously Slot's Liverpool seemed very good at controlling matches and that is not the case.

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

This was an aspect that observers instantly noticed he had added to the team, in contrast to what it was like under the former coach.

Currently, however, observing them and it looks somewhat chaotic. The last half-hour of the recent match was hectic it felt like a cup tie – they had chances to secure victory, but gave away several opportunities too, which is why they ultimately losing.

{How Can Slot Address Liverpool Issues?

There are a few aspects that are not right about the club, and repeatedly notice them losing possession, but I don't see an hopeless scenario.

Just because they have several new additions – and varied profiles too – they don't need to alter their playing style. They simply require to get back to being slightly more patient and composed.

Good aspect is they are just one point behind leaders the front-runners and have opportunity to correct the things that are going wrong.

Fitness aspect they are lacking will improve as the individuals who missed a full pre-season, like midfielders and full-backs, will reach optimal condition soon.

Developing effective understanding on the pitch requires patience too, be it between the defender and Salah or additional key combinations.

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

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

I didn't actually believed City would be in the title race, but if their star striker remains motivated and healthy they will compete.

The London club, defensively, look excellent again and, overall, after several matches they seem very comfortable in what they are doing in all areas – it looks like a continuation of their previous form, with an extra dose of talent and squad strength.

For them it seems more of a rebuild right now. But although there is still work to do for them to find the optimal equilibrium and combinations, it is expected everyone expects them to progress as the campaign unfolds.