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It seems that Mohamed Salah's lack of defensive contributions is emerging as a slight issue for the Merseyside club, particularly against top-tier teams.

I can fully grasp if coach Arne Slot has instructed Salah to avoid defensive duties, since staying high on the right flank during transitions has made him one of the global deadliest strikers.

But, the players behind him fail to offer adequate cover, causing numerous issues for whoever has been at right-back in recent matches.

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

It proved a noticeable weakness in the recent match, resulting in Chelsea's winning goal – and the worry is that more teams will smartly exploit this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given License to Avoid Defence Work

Primarily, I doubt that Slot is telling the attacker to help defensively and assist his right-back.

If Salah was told to follow Chelsea's left-back Marc Cucurella, then this was extremely evident he wasn't doing it, and the coach would not tolerate that.

Rather, Slot is granting him the freedom to focus solely on offensive duties, which is acceptable – there are numerous examples of other teams using similar tactics, with individuals who prefer to conserve their energy for forward moves.

Certainly, there are always specific moments in a game when you are under pressure and you might feel compelled to help out.

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

However, he must have been specifically asked to perform that role on that occasion, which is why I don't blame him if he has been asked to stay forward.

'The Real Issue Is How The Team Are Structured In Support of Salah'

The concern with his role stems from how the side are organized behind him, especially against top teams.

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

When a Liverpool midfielder moved wide too late – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he created openings in central areas ahead of the defence because Liverpool were missing a man from the midfield.

This situation becomes less critical when playing opponents that they control the ball against – as we've seen their past success using this way – but they need to improve because the elite teams will take advantage.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Games'

It isn't as if he has changed his role this season, but since he is not scoring in attack, perhaps the defensive side of his performance is amplified.

I'm not too worried about his form, as he will improve – he always does – in terms of his finishing.

He found some excellent situations against Chelsea but perhaps took a chance when he could have assisted, and vice versa, but those opportunities will continue and the goals will come.

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

This has been a disappointing week for them, naturally, not just to lose multiple games in a row in the domestic league and Champions League but because the performance levels have fallen below expectations.

There are extenuating circumstances, of course, with all the squad adjustments in the summer and the number of players who did not have preparatory training, but previously the manager's Liverpool appeared so effective at managing games and that is no longer the situation.

It felt like their organization was solid, and his more ball-retention style provided greater command.

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

Now, though, I watch them and it looks somewhat disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the recent game was hectic it resembled a knockout game – they had opportunities to win it, but conceded many chances too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can Slot Fix The Team's Issues?

We can identify a several aspects that are not right about the club, and I keep seeing them giving the ball away, but this is not an hopeless situation.

Even though Liverpool have some new players – and different types too – they should not need to alter their playing style. They simply require to get back to being slightly more composed and calm.

Good news is they are only one point behind leaders the front-runners and have opportunity to fix the things that are underperforming.

Fitness element they are missing will come as the players who missed a proper pre-season, such as key attackers and full-backs, will reach peak fitness shortly.

Developing proper relationships on the field requires patience too, be it between the defender and the forward or additional key pairings.

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

The reality is what has happened to Liverpool this week will probably occur at some stage to other contenders and Manchester City as well.

I had not actually believed City would be in the title race, but if a key attacker stays motivated and fit they will compete.

Arsenal, in defence, look superb again and, in general, after seven games they seem very assured in their performances across the pitch – it seems a extension of their previous form, with an extra layer of talent and depth.

For them it seems more of a rebuild at present. But while there is still work to do for them to find the right equilibrium and partnerships, I think everyone expects them to progress as the season unfolds.