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It seems that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive work has turned into a minor problem for Liverpool, especially when facing stronger opponents.

I can fully grasp if manager Arne Slot has instructed Salah to avoid defensive duties, since positioning himself advanced on the right flank during transitions has established him as one of the global deadliest strikers.

But, the players in support are not providing sufficient defensive support, creating significant challenges for anyone is playing at the right defensive position this season.

Whether it's Jeremie Frimpong 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, leading to Chelsea's decisive goal – and the worry is that more teams will intelligently target this same area.

{'Salah Has License to Skip Defensive Work

First of all, it's hard to believe that Slot is instructing the attacker to help defensively and support his defender.

If Salah had been instructed to mark Chelsea's defender his direct opponent, then this was extremely evident he wasn't doing it, and Slot would not tolerate that.

Instead, Slot is granting him the freedom to focus exclusively on attacking play, which is fine – there are many instances of other teams adopting comparable approaches, with players who prefer to save their stamina for attacking actions.

Certainly, there are always specific situations in a game when you are under pressure and you might take it upon yourself to track back.

It's known Salah is capable, because during they won at Manchester City 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 am not criticizing him if he has been asked to remain advanced.

'The Real Issue Is The Way The Team Are Set Up In Support of Salah'

The issue with his role stems from how the side are organized in defensive support, particularly against top teams.

The other players must provide better and faster assistance, as it felt like the opposition were moving the ball forward and subsequently switching it to their left, because that's where the space existed.

When a Liverpool midfielder went out too late – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he created openings in the middle in front of the back line because Liverpool were missing a man from the center.

This situation becomes less critical when playing teams that they control possession against – evidenced by their past league wins using this way – but they need to improve because the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Have Lost Command of Matches'

It isn't as if Salah has altered his role recently, but because he is not scoring at the other end, perhaps the defensive aspect of his performance is amplified.

I am not too worried about his form, as he will return to form – history shows – in terms of his goal scoring.

He found some excellent positions against Chelsea but perhaps shot when he could have assisted, and the opposite, but those chances will continue and the goals will come.

My main worry with Liverpool currently is their reduced command in games compared to last season.

It has been a frustrating period for them, of course, not just to suffer multiple games in a row in the domestic league and European competition but because the display standards have fallen below expectations.

There are extenuating circumstances, of course, with the numerous 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 organization was sound, and Slot's more possession-based approach brought better control.

It was something that people immediately saw he had introduced to the team, compared to what it was like under the former coach.

Currently, though, I watch them and it looks a bit disorganized. The last half-hour of the Chelsea game was hectic it felt like a cup tie – they had opportunities to win it, but conceded several opportunities too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can The Manager Fix Liverpool Issues?

We can identify a few aspects that are not right about Liverpool, and I keep seeing them giving the ball away, but I don't see an unresolvable situation.

Even though Liverpool have several new additions – and varied profiles too – they don't need to change their approach. They just need to get back to being slightly more patient and composed.

The positive aspect is they are just one point behind table-toppers the front-runners and have opportunity to fix the things that are underperforming.

Fitness aspect they are missing will come as the individuals who missed a proper pre-season, like key attackers and defenders, will attain optimal condition soon.

Building effective understanding on the field requires patience too, be it between the right-back and Salah or other important pairings.

Therefore, there is no reason to panic. It seems like at the moment in the Premier League, and not only with Liverpool but with all teams, you are only one week away from 'crisis' and scrutiny.

The truth is the recent results to Liverpool this week will probably happen at some stage to Arsenal and Manchester City as well.

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

The London club, in defence, appear superb again and, overall, after seven games they seem very comfortable in their performances across the pitch – it seems a extension of last season, with an added dose of quality 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 optimal balance and combinations, I think everyone is anticipating them to progress as the campaign advances.