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It appears that the Egyptian star's limited defensive work is emerging as a minor issue for the Merseyside club, especially against stronger opponents.

It's understandable if manager Arne Slot has instructed Salah not to track back, since staying high on the right flank when regaining possession has made him one of the global deadliest strikers.

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

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

It proved a clear vulnerability on Saturday, resulting in Chelsea's decisive goal – and the worry is that other sides will intelligently target this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given License to Skip Defence Work

First of all, I doubt that Slot is telling Salah to help defensively and assist his defender.

If Salah was told to mark Chelsea's left-back Marc Cucurella, then it was extremely evident he wasn't doing it, and the coach would not tolerate that.

Rather, the manager is allowing him the freedom to focus exclusively on offensive play, which is acceptable – we've seen numerous instances of other teams using comparable tactics, with individuals who choose to conserve their stamina for forward moves.

Certainly, there are always certain situations in a match when the team is under pressure and you might feel compelled to track back.

I know Salah is capable, because during Liverpool triumphed at a top rival previously, his defensive performance was among the best observed from him.

But, he likely been specifically asked to perform that role on that occasion, which is why I am not criticizing him if he is told to stay forward.

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

The issue with Salah is more about how the side are organized behind him, especially against stronger opponents.

His players must provide more and faster help, because it felt like Chelsea were moving the ball upfield and then shifting it to their left side, since that's where the space was.

If a their midfielder moved wide belatedly – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he created openings in the middle ahead of the back line because Liverpool were losing a player from the midfield.

This situation becomes less of a problem when facing opponents that they control the ball against – evidenced by their previous league wins playing such tactics – but they must tighten up as the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Matches'

It isn't as if he has changed his duties this season, but since he is failing to find the net at the other end, perhaps the defensive aspect of his game is amplified.

I'm not overly worried about his form, because he will improve – he always does – in terms of his finishing.

He found some excellent situations against Chelsea but perhaps shot when he should have passed, and vice versa, but those opportunities will continue and the goals will follow.

My main worry with the team at the moment is their reduced command in matches relative to the previous campaign.

This has been a frustrating period for them, of course, not only to suffer three matches in a row in the domestic league and Champions League but because the display standards have not been expectations.

We must consider extenuating circumstances, of course, with all the squad adjustments in the summer and the several of individuals who did not have pre-season, but previously Slot's Liverpool appeared so effective at managing games and that is no longer the case.

It seemed like their defensive shape was sound, and his more ball-retention style provided better command.

This was an aspect that observers instantly noticed he had added to the team, in contrast to what it was like under the former coach.

Now, though, I watch them and it looks somewhat disorganized. The last half-hour of the recent game was hectic it resembled a cup tie – they had chances to secure victory, but conceded many opportunities too, which is why they ended up defeated.

{How Can Slot Fix Liverpool Problems?

There are a few things that are not right 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 additions – and different types too – they don't need to alter their playing style. They simply require to return to being slightly more patient and composed.

The positive aspect is they are just one point adrift of leaders Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the things that are underperforming.

The physical aspect they are missing will improve because the individuals who did not have a full training camp, such as midfielders and full-backs, will reach peak fitness soon.

Developing proper relationships on the pitch always takes time too, be it between the defender and Salah or additional key pairings.

So, there is no reason to panic. It seems like at the moment in the top flight, and not just with Liverpool but with every side, you are only one week away from 'catastrophe' and scrutiny.

The reality is what has happened to them this week will likely happen at some point to Arsenal and rivals this season.

I didn't previously thought City would be in the title race, but if their star striker remains motivated and healthy they will compete.

Arsenal, in defence, appear superb again and, overall, after seven games they appear very comfortable in what they are doing across the pitch – it looks like a extension of last season, with an added layer of talent and squad strength.

For them it seems more of a rebuild at present. But although there is still work to do for them to find the right equilibrium and partnerships, it is expected all expects them to progress as the season advances.