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It seems that Mohamed Salah's limited defensive work has turned into a slight issue for the Merseyside club, particularly when facing stronger opponents.

I can fully grasp if manager the Liverpool boss has directed the forward not to track back, because staying high on the right flank during transitions has established him as one of the world's most dangerous strikers.

However, the players in support are not providing adequate defensive support, creating significant challenges for whoever has been at the right defensive position this season.

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

This was a clear vulnerability in the recent match, resulting in Chelsea's decisive goal – and the worry is that other sides will intelligently exploit this same area.

{'Salah Has License to Skip Defensive Duties'

First of all, it's hard to believe that Slot is telling Salah to track back and support his defender.

If he was told to follow the opposition's defender his direct opponent, then it was extremely evident he did not comply, and Slot would not accept that.

Rather, the manager is allowing Salah the freedom to focus exclusively on attacking duties, which is acceptable – we've seen numerous instances of different clubs using similar approaches, with players who choose to save their energy for attacking moves.

Certainly, there are still specific situations in a game when the team is conceding chances and one might feel compelled to help out.

I know Salah is capable, because when Liverpool won at a top rival previously, his work rate was outstanding I've seen from him.

However, he must have been specifically asked to perform that role on that day, which is why I am not criticizing him if he is told to stay forward.

'The Main Problem Is How Liverpool Are Structured In Support of Salah'

The concern with Salah is more about how the side are organized in defensive support, especially when playing top opponents.

His players must offer more and faster help, as it seemed like Chelsea were moving the ball upfield and then shifting it to their left side, since that's where the gap was.

If a Liverpool midfielder went out too late – be it Ryan Gravenberch – then he created space in central areas ahead of the back line because Liverpool were losing a man from the center.

All this becomes less of a problem when playing opponents that they control possession against – as we've seen their past league wins using such tactics – but they must tighten up because the elite teams will take advantage.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Games'

It is not as if he has changed his role this season, but because he is not scoring at the other end, perhaps the defensive aspect of his performance is more noticeable.

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

He got into great positions 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 reduced control in matches relative to last season.

It has been a disappointing period for them, of course, not only to lose three games in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but as the display standards have fallen below expectations.

There are extenuating circumstances, of course, with all the personnel changes in the off-season and the number of individuals who missed pre-season, but previously Slot's Liverpool appeared so effective at controlling matches and that is not the case.

It felt like their organization was sound, and his more ball-retention approach provided greater control.

It was an aspect that people instantly noticed he had introduced to the team, compared to what it was like under previous management.

Now, though, I watch them and it appears a bit disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the Chelsea match was hectic it resembled a cup tie – they had chances to win it, but conceded many chances too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can Slot Fix The Team's Problems?

There are a few things that are not right about the club, and repeatedly notice them giving the ball away, but this is not an hopeless situation.

Just because Liverpool have several new players – and different types too – they should not need to alter their approach. They just need to return to being a bit more patient and calm.

The positive news is they are only one point adrift of leaders the front-runners and have opportunity to correct the issues that are going wrong.

Fitness aspect they are missing will come as the individuals who missed a full training camp, like midfielders and defenders, will reach peak fitness shortly.

Building effective understanding on the field requires patience too, be it between the defender and Salah or additional key pairings.

So, there is no need to overreact. It seems like currently in the Premier League, and not just with Liverpool but with every side, you are only one week away from 'crisis' and criticism.

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

I had not previously believed that side would be in the title race, but if a key attacker stays this hungry and healthy they will compete.

The London club, defensively, appear superb again and, overall, after several matches they seem very comfortable in their performances across the pitch – it seems a extension of last season, with an extra layer of quality and squad strength.

With Liverpool it feels like more of a rebuild right now. But although there is ongoing work to do for them to establish the right balance and partnerships, it is expected all expects them to improve as the campaign advances.