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It appears that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive work is emerging as a minor problem for the Merseyside club, particularly when facing top-tier teams.

I can fully grasp if manager the Liverpool boss has directed the forward to avoid defensive duties, because positioning himself advanced on the right side when regaining possession has made him one of the global deadliest goalscorers.

But, the players behind him fail to offer sufficient cover, creating significant issues for whoever has been at right-back in recent matches.

Whether it's Jeremie Frimpong or another player, they often find themselves in difficulty due to dealing with a 2v1 overload on their side.

It proved a clear vulnerability on Saturday, resulting in Chelsea's winning 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 telling Salah to help defensively and support his right-back.

If Salah was told to follow Chelsea's defender his direct opponent, then it was very evident he did not comply, and Slot would not tolerate that.

Rather, the manager is granting Salah the liberty to concentrate exclusively on attacking duties, which is acceptable – we've seen many instances of other teams using comparable approaches, with players who choose to save their stamina for forward moves.

Certainly, there are still specific situations in a match when the team is under pressure and one might feel compelled to help out.

I know Salah is capable, since during Liverpool won at a top rival previously, his defensive performance was outstanding I've seen from him.

But, he likely been specifically asked to do so on that occasion, which is why I don't blame him if he has been asked to remain advanced.

'The Real Problem Is How Liverpool Are Set Up In Support of Salah'

The issue with his role is more about how Liverpool set up behind him, particularly against stronger opponents.

The other players need to offer better and quicker help, because it felt like the opposition were advancing the ball forward and then shifting it to their left, because that's where the space was.

If a Liverpool central player went out belatedly – whether it be Alexis Mac Allister – then he created openings in central areas ahead of the defence because Liverpool were losing a player from the midfield.

This situation is less of a problem when facing teams that they control possession against – as we've seen their past league wins using this way – but they must improve as the top sides will capitalize.

'Liverpool Have Lost Command of Games'

It isn't as if he has changed his role recently, but because he is failing to find the net at the other end, perhaps the defensive side of his game is amplified.

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

He found some excellent positions versus their opponents but perhaps shot when he should have passed, and the opposite, but those opportunities will continue and the scores will come.

The biggest worry with the team at the moment is their lack of control in games compared to the previous campaign.

This has been a frustrating period for them, naturally, not only to suffer three matches in a row in the Premier League and European competition but as the display standards have fallen below expectations.

We must consider mitigating factors, certainly, with the numerous personnel changes in the summer and the several of players who did not have pre-season, but last season Slot's side seemed very good at controlling matches and that is no longer the case.

It felt like their organization was solid, and Slot's more possession-based style provided greater command.

It was an aspect that observers instantly noticed he had introduced to the team, compared to what it was like under the former coach.

Currently, however, I watch them and it appears a bit disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the Chelsea game was hectic it resembled a knockout game – they had opportunities to secure victory, but conceded many opportunities too, which is why they ultimately losing.

{How Can The Manager Fix Liverpool Issues?

We can identify a several things that are off about Liverpool, and I keep seeing them giving the ball away, but I don't see an unresolvable situation.

Just because Liverpool have several new additions – and varied profiles too – they should not need to change their playing style. They just need to get back to being slightly more composed and calm.

Good aspect is they are only one point behind leaders Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the issues that are underperforming.

Fitness element they are missing will come because the players who did not have a proper pre-season, like key attackers and full-backs, will reach optimal condition shortly.

Developing proper understanding on the pitch requires patience too, be it between the defender and the forward or additional important pairings.

So, there is no need to panic. It feels like currently in the top flight, and not just with Liverpool but with all teams, you are a single match away from 'crisis' and scrutiny.

The reality is the recent results to them recently will likely happen at some point to other contenders and rivals this season.

I had not actually thought that side would be in the title race, but if their star striker remains motivated and healthy they will be in contention.

Arsenal, in defence, look superb again and, overall, after seven games they appear very comfortable in what they are doing across the pitch – it looks like a continuation of their previous form, with an extra dose of quality and depth.

With Liverpool it seems more of a transition right now. But although there is still work to do for them to establish the right equilibrium and combinations, it is expected all is anticipating them to improve as the season unfolds.