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It appears that Mohamed Salah's lack of defensive contributions is emerging as a minor issue for Liverpool, particularly when facing top-tier teams.

I can fully grasp if manager Arne Slot has instructed the forward to avoid defensive duties, since positioning himself advanced on the right side when regaining possession has established him as one of the world's most dangerous goalscorers.

However, the players in support are not providing sufficient cover, creating numerous issues for whoever has been at the right defensive position in recent matches.

Be it Jeremie Frimpong or another player, they often find themselves in trouble due to facing a 2v1 overload on their side.

It proved a clear vulnerability in the recent match, resulting in Chelsea's decisive goal – and the worry is that more teams will smartly target this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given License to Skip Defensive Duties'

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

Should Salah was told to mark Chelsea's left-back his direct opponent, then it was extremely evident he did not comply, and the coach would not accept that.

Instead, the manager is allowing him the liberty to focus exclusively on offensive play, which is acceptable – we've seen numerous instances of different clubs adopting similar approaches, with individuals who choose to conserve their energy for forward actions.

Yes, there are still certain moments in a match when you are under pressure and you might feel compelled to help out.

I know he is capable, since during Liverpool triumphed at a top rival previously, his work rate was among the best observed from him.

But, he likely been instructed to perform that role on that occasion, which is why I am not criticizing him if he has been told to remain advanced.

'The Main Problem Is How The Team Are Structured Behind Salah'

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

The other teammates must offer more and quicker help, because it felt like the opposition were advancing the ball upfield and then shifting it to their left, because that's where the space existed.

If a their midfielder moved wide too late – be it Alexis Mac Allister – then he created space in the middle ahead of the back line because they were missing a man from the midfield.

This situation becomes less critical when facing opponents that they control the ball against – as we've seen their previous success playing this way – but they need to improve as the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Matches'

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

I'm not too concerned about his form, as he will improve – history shows – in terms of his finishing.

He found some excellent positions against their opponents but perhaps took a chance when he should have passed, and the opposite, but those opportunities will continue and the scores will follow.

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

This has been a frustrating week for them, naturally, not just to lose three matches in a row in the domestic league and Champions League but as the display standards have fallen below expectations.

There are extenuating circumstances, certainly, with all the personnel changes in the summer and the number of players who did not have preparatory training, but last season Slot's Liverpool seemed very good at managing games and that is not the case.

It felt like their organization was solid, and Slot's more possession-based approach provided greater control.

This was something that observers immediately saw he had introduced to the team, in contrast to what it was like under the former coach.

Currently, though, observing them and it appears a bit chaotic. The last half-hour of the Chelsea game was so frenetic it felt like a cup tie – they had opportunities to secure victory, but conceded many chances too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can The Manager Fix The Team's Issues?

We can identify 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.

Even though they have some new players – and varied profiles too – they should not need to change their playing style. They just need to return to being a bit more patient and calm.

Good news is they are just one point behind table-toppers Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the things that are underperforming.

The physical element they are lacking will improve because the players who missed a full pre-season, such as midfielders and full-backs, will attain optimal condition shortly.

Developing proper relationships on the pitch always takes patience too, whether it be between the right-back and Salah or additional important combinations.

Therefore, there is no reason to overreact. It feels like currently in the Premier League, and not only with this team but with all teams, you are a single match away from 'catastrophe' and criticism.

The reality is what has happened to them recently will likely happen at some stage to other contenders and Manchester City this season.

I didn't actually thought City would be in the title race, but if their star striker stays this hungry and healthy they will compete.

The London club, in defence, look excellent again and, in general, after several matches they seem very assured in their performances across the pitch – it looks like a continuation of last season, with an added dose of quality and squad strength.

With Liverpool it seems more of a rebuild right now. But although there is ongoing work to do for them to find the optimal equilibrium and partnerships, I think all expects them to progress as the campaign unfolds.