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It seems that Mohamed Salah's lack of defensive work has turned into a minor problem for Liverpool, particularly against stronger teams.

It's understandable if coach Arne Slot has directed Salah not to track back, since positioning himself advanced on the right side during transitions has established him as one of the global deadliest goalscorers.

However, the players behind him fail to offer sufficient cover, creating numerous challenges for whoever is playing at right-back in recent matches.

Whether it's Conor Bradley or another player, they often find themselves in trouble due to dealing with a 2v1 overload on that flank.

It proved a noticeable weakness in the recent match, resulting in the opponent's winning goal – and the worry is that other sides will intelligently exploit this weak spot.

{'Salah Has Freedom to Skip Defensive Duties'

Primarily, I doubt that Slot is instructing Salah to track back and support his defender.

Should he was told to mark Chelsea's defender his direct opponent, then this was very obvious he wasn't doing it, and Slot would not tolerate that.

Instead, Slot is granting Salah the liberty to focus exclusively on offensive play, which is fine – there are many instances of other teams adopting comparable tactics, with players who choose to conserve their stamina for attacking actions.

Yes, there are still certain situations in a match when you are under pressure and one might feel compelled to track back.

It's known he can do it, because during Liverpool triumphed at a top rival previously, his work rate was outstanding I've seen from him.

However, he likely been specifically asked to do so on that day, which is why I am not criticizing him if he is told to stay forward.

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

The concern with his role stems from how the side are organized in defensive support, especially when playing stronger opponents.

The other teammates must offer more and faster help, because it felt like Chelsea were advancing the ball forward and subsequently switching it to their left, since that's where the space existed.

When a their central player moved wide belatedly – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he left space in the middle in front of the defence because they were missing a player from the midfield.

This situation is less of a problem when facing teams that you dominate the ball against – evidenced by Liverpool past success playing this way – but they need to tighten up because the top sides will capitalize.

'Liverpool Have Lost Command of Matches'

It is not as if Salah has changed his duties this season, but since he is not scoring in attack, perhaps the defensive side of his game is amplified.

I am not overly concerned about his current performance, as he will return to form – he always does – in terms of his finishing.

He got into great positions against Chelsea but perhaps took a chance when he should have passed, and the opposite, but those opportunities will continue and the goals will come.

The biggest concern with Liverpool currently is their reduced control in games compared to the previous campaign.

This has been a disappointing week for them, of course, not just to suffer multiple games in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but because the display standards have not been expectations.

We must consider mitigating factors, certainly, with the numerous squad adjustments in the summer and the several of individuals who missed pre-season, but previously the manager's Liverpool appeared very good at controlling matches and that is not the situation.

It seemed like their defensive shape was solid, and his more possession-based approach provided greater control.

This was something that people immediately noticed he had added to the squad, compared to what it was like under the former coach.

Now, however, observing them and it looks a bit disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the Chelsea game was so frenetic it felt like a knockout game – they had opportunities to win it, but conceded many opportunities too, which is why they ended up losing.

{How Can The Manager Address The Team's Problems?

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

Just because Liverpool have some new additions – and different types too – they don't need to change their playing style. They simply require to get back to being slightly more composed and calm.

The positive aspect is they are only one point adrift of table-toppers Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the things that are underperforming.

Fitness element they are lacking will come as the individuals who did not have a full pre-season, like key attackers and full-backs, will attain optimal condition shortly.

Developing proper relationships on the pitch always takes time too, be it between the right-back and the forward or other important combinations.

Therefore, there is no reason to overreact. It seems like currently in the top flight, and not only with this team but with every side, you are a single match away from 'crisis' and criticism.

The truth is the recent results to Liverpool this week will likely happen at some point to other contenders and rivals this season.

I had not actually believed City would be in the championship chase, but if their star striker stays motivated and healthy they will compete.

Arsenal, in defence, look superb again and, in general, after several matches they appear very assured in what they are doing in all areas – it looks like a continuation of last season, with an added layer of talent and squad strength.

For them it feels like more of a rebuild at present. But while there is ongoing work to do for them to find the optimal balance and partnerships, I think everyone is anticipating them to progress as the campaign advances.