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It seems that Mohamed Salah's limited defensive contributions is emerging as a minor issue for the Merseyside club, particularly when facing top-tier teams.

I can fully grasp if manager the Liverpool boss has directed Salah to avoid defensive duties, because positioning himself advanced on the right flank during transitions has made him one of the global most dangerous strikers.

However, the players in support fail to offer adequate defensive support, causing numerous issues for whoever has been at the right defensive position in recent matches.

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

This was a noticeable weakness on Saturday, leading to the opponent's winning goal – and the concern is that more teams will smartly exploit this same area.

{'Salah Is Given Freedom to Skip Defence Work

Primarily, I doubt that Slot is telling the attacker to track back and assist his defender.

Should he was told to mark the opposition's left-back Marc Cucurella, then it was very evident he did not comply, and Slot would not tolerate that.

Instead, Slot is granting Salah the liberty to concentrate solely on attacking duties, which is acceptable – we've seen many examples of other teams adopting similar tactics, with players who choose to save their energy for forward actions.

Yes, there are always certain moments in a match when the team is conceding chances and you might take it upon yourself to track back.

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

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

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

The issue with Salah stems from how Liverpool are organized in defensive support, especially when playing stronger opponents.

The other players need to provide more and quicker assistance, because it felt like Chelsea were advancing the ball upfield and subsequently switching it to their left side, because that's where the gap was.

When a their midfielder went out belatedly – whether it be Alexis Mac Allister – then he left space in central areas in front of the defence because Liverpool were missing a man from the center.

This situation is less critical when playing teams that you dominate possession against – evidenced by their past success using such tactics – but they must improve as the elite teams will take advantage.

'Liverpool Have Lost Command of Games'

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

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

He got into great positions versus their opponents but maybe shot when he should have passed, and vice versa, but those opportunities will keep coming and the goals will come.

My main concern with the team currently is their reduced control in matches relative to last season.

It has been a frustrating period for them, naturally, not just to suffer three matches in a row in the domestic league and Champions League but because the display standards have fallen below what we expect.

There are extenuating circumstances, 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 Liverpool appeared very good at controlling matches and that is no longer the situation.

It felt like their defensive shape was solid, and his more possession-based style brought greater command.

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

Currently, though, observing them and it looks somewhat chaotic. The last half-hour of the recent match was hectic it felt like a knockout game – they had opportunities to secure victory, but conceded several chances too, which is why they ended up losing.

{How Can Slot Address Liverpool Problems?

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

Just because they have some new players – and varied profiles too – they should not need to change their playing style. They simply require to get back to being slightly more patient and calm.

Good aspect is they are only one point adrift of leaders Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the issues that are going wrong.

The physical aspect they are lacking will improve as the players who missed a full training camp, such as key attackers and defenders, will attain optimal condition shortly.

Building proper relationships on the field always takes time too, be it between the defender and the forward or other key pairings.

So, 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 a single match away from 'catastrophe' and criticism.

The reality is the recent results to Liverpool recently will likely happen at some stage to other contenders and Manchester City as well.

I had not actually believed that side would be in the championship chase, but if a key attacker remains motivated and healthy they will be in contention.

The London club, in defence, look excellent again and, overall, after several matches they appear very comfortable in their performances in all areas – it looks like a continuation of their previous form, with an added dose of quality and depth.

With Liverpool it seems more of a transition at present. But although there is ongoing work to do for them to establish the right equilibrium and partnerships, I think everyone expects them to improve as the season advances.