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It seems that the Egyptian star's limited defensive work is emerging as a minor issue for Liverpool, especially against top-tier opponents.

I can fully grasp if coach the Liverpool boss has instructed Salah to avoid defensive duties, since staying high on the right side when regaining possession has established him as one of the global most dangerous goalscorers.

However, the teammates in support fail to offer sufficient defensive support, creating significant challenges for whoever is playing at the right defensive position in recent matches.

Whether it's Conor Bradley or another player, they often find themselves in trouble due to facing a 2v1 overload on that flank.

This was a noticeable vulnerability on Saturday, leading to the opponent's winning goal – and the worry is that more teams will intelligently exploit this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given Freedom to Avoid Defensive Work

First of all, I doubt that Slot is telling Salah to help defensively and support his right-back.

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

Instead, Slot is allowing Salah the liberty to concentrate exclusively on offensive duties, which is fine – there are many examples of different clubs using comparable approaches, with individuals who choose to conserve their energy for forward actions.

Yes, there are still specific moments in a match when you are conceding chances and you might feel compelled to help out.

I know Salah can do it, because when Liverpool won at Manchester City previously, his work rate was among the best I've seen from him.

But, he likely been specifically asked to do so on that occasion, which is why I don't blame him if he is asked to stay forward.

'The Real Issue Is How Liverpool Are Structured Behind Salah'

The concern with Salah is more about how Liverpool are organized behind him, especially against top teams.

His players must offer more and quicker help, because it seemed like the opposition were moving the ball upfield and subsequently switching it to their left side, because that's where the space was.

When a Liverpool central player moved wide belatedly – be it Ryan Gravenberch – then he left space in the middle ahead of the back line because they were missing a player from the midfield.

All this is less of a problem when facing opponents that they control possession against – as we've seen their previous success playing this way – but they must improve as the top sides will take advantage.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Matches'

It is not as if he has altered his role this season, but because he is not scoring in attack, perhaps the defensive side of his performance is more noticeable.

I'm not overly concerned about his form, as he will return to form – he always does – in terms of his finishing.

He got into great positions against Chelsea but perhaps shot when he could have assisted, and the opposite, but those opportunities will continue and the goals will come.

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

It has been a disappointing week for them, of course, not just to lose three games in a row in the Premier League and European competition but as the performance levels have fallen below what we expect.

There are extenuating circumstances, certainly, with all the squad adjustments in the summer and the number of individuals who did not have preparatory training, but previously the manager's Liverpool appeared very good at controlling matches and that is no longer the situation.

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

This was something that observers immediately saw he had added to the squad, compared to what it was like under previous management.

Now, though, observing them and it looks a bit disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the recent match was so frenetic it felt like a knockout game – they had chances to win it, but conceded many opportunities too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can The Manager Address Liverpool Problems?

We can identify a few aspects that are not right about the club, and repeatedly notice them losing possession, but I don't see an hopeless situation.

Even though they have some new additions – and varied profiles too – they should not need to alter their approach. They simply require to return to being slightly more composed and calm.

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

The physical aspect they are lacking will improve as the individuals who did not have a proper pre-season, such as key attackers and full-backs, will reach optimal condition soon.

Developing effective relationships on the field always takes patience too, whether it be between the right-back and the forward or other key combinations.

So, there is no need to panic. It seems like currently in the top flight, and not just with Liverpool but with all teams, you are a single match away from 'crisis' and scrutiny.

The reality is the recent results to them this week will likely occur at some stage to other contenders and rivals as well.

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

Arsenal, defensively, look superb again and, in general, after seven games they seem very assured in their performances in all areas – it looks like a extension of last season, with an added dose of talent and squad strength.

For them it feels like more of a transition at present. But while there is still work to do for them to find the right balance and partnerships, it is expected everyone is anticipating them to improve as the season unfolds.