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It seems that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive work has turned into a slight issue for Liverpool, particularly against stronger teams.

It's understandable if coach Arne Slot has directed the forward not to track back, because positioning himself advanced on the right flank during transitions has established him as one of the global most dangerous goalscorers.

But, the teammates behind him are not providing adequate cover, causing numerous issues for anyone has been at right-back this season.

Be it Conor Bradley or another player, they end up in trouble due to dealing with a numerical disadvantage on that flank.

This was a clear weakness on Saturday, resulting in the opponent's winning goal – and the concern is that other sides will smartly exploit this same area.

{'Salah Has License to Avoid Defensive Work

First of all, it's hard to believe that the manager is instructing the attacker to track back and support his right-back.

If he was told to follow Chelsea's left-back Marc Cucurella, then this was extremely evident he did not comply, and the coach would not tolerate that.

Rather, Slot is allowing Salah the freedom to concentrate solely on attacking play, which is acceptable – there are many instances of other teams adopting comparable approaches, with individuals who choose to conserve their stamina for attacking moves.

Yes, there are always specific situations in a match when you are conceding chances and you might take it upon yourself to track back.

It's known he is capable, because when they won at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was among the best observed from him.

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

'The Main Issue Is How The Team Are Set Up In Support of Salah'

The issue with his role stems from how Liverpool are organized in defensive support, especially against top teams.

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

When a Liverpool central player went out too late – whether it be Alexis Mac Allister – then he created openings in the middle ahead of the back line because they were losing a man from the center.

This situation becomes less critical when playing opponents that they control the ball against – as we've seen Liverpool past league wins playing this way – but they need to improve because the top sides will take advantage.

'Liverpool Have Lost Control of Games'

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

I'm not too concerned about his current performance, as he will improve – he always does – in terms of his goal scoring.

He got into some excellent positions against their opponents but perhaps took a chance when he could have assisted, and the opposite, but those chances will keep coming and the scores will come.

My main worry with Liverpool at the moment is their lack of command in games compared to the previous campaign.

It has been a frustrating week for them, of course, not just to suffer multiple games in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but as the display standards have fallen below what we expect.

There are mitigating factors, certainly, with the numerous squad adjustments in the summer and the number of individuals who did not have preparatory training, but previously Slot's side seemed very good at managing games and that is not the situation.

It seemed like their defensive shape was solid, and his more ball-retention style brought greater command.

It was an aspect that people immediately noticed he had introduced to the squad, in contrast to what it was like under previous management.

Now, however, I watch them and it looks somewhat disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the Chelsea match was hectic it resembled a cup tie – they had opportunities to win it, but gave away many opportunities too, which is why they ended up defeated.

{How Can Slot Address The Team's Issues?

There are a few aspects that are not right about the club, and repeatedly notice them losing possession, but I don't see an unresolvable scenario.

Just because Liverpool have several new players – and varied profiles too – they don't need to change their playing style. They simply require to get back to being slightly more patient and calm.

The positive news is they are just one point behind leaders Arsenal and have time to fix the things that are underperforming.

The physical aspect they are lacking will come as the players who did not have a proper pre-season, like midfielders and defenders, will attain optimal condition shortly.

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

So, there is no need to overreact. It feels like at the moment in the top flight, and not only with this team but with every side, you are only one week away from 'catastrophe' and scrutiny.

The truth is the recent results to Liverpool recently will probably occur at some point to other contenders and rivals as well.

I had not previously believed that side would be in the championship chase, but if their star striker remains motivated and fit they will be in contention.

Arsenal, defensively, appear superb again and, overall, after several matches they seem very comfortable in their performances across the pitch – it looks like a extension of last season, with an extra dose of quality and squad strength.

For them it feels like more of a transition right now. But although there is still work to do for them to find the right equilibrium and partnerships, it is expected everyone is anticipating them to progress as the season advances.