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It appears that Mohamed Salah's limited defensive work has turned into a slight problem for Liverpool, particularly when facing top-tier opponents.

I can fully grasp if coach the Liverpool boss has instructed the forward to avoid defensive duties, because positioning himself advanced on the right flank when regaining possession has established him as one of the global most dangerous strikers.

But, the teammates behind him are not providing sufficient defensive support, creating numerous challenges for whoever has been at right-back this season.

Be it Conor Bradley or another player, they end up in difficulty due to dealing with a 2v1 overload on that flank.

It proved a clear weakness on Saturday, leading to the opponent's winning goal – and the concern is that more teams will smartly target this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given License to Avoid Defence Work

Primarily, it's hard to believe that the manager is instructing Salah to track back and assist his right-back.

If Salah had been instructed to follow the opposition's defender Marc Cucurella, then this was very obvious he wasn't doing it, and Slot would not accept that.

Instead, the manager is allowing him the liberty to concentrate exclusively on attacking duties, which is acceptable – there are numerous examples of other teams using comparable tactics, with players who prefer to conserve their energy for attacking actions.

Yes, there are still specific moments in a match when the team is under pressure and one might take it upon yourself to help out.

It's known Salah can do it, since during Liverpool won at a top rival previously, his defensive performance was outstanding I've seen 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 asked to stay forward.

'The Main Issue Is The Way The Team Are Structured In Support of Salah'

The concern with Salah stems from how Liverpool set up in defensive support, especially against stronger opponents.

The other teammates need to offer more and faster assistance, as it felt like the opposition were moving the ball forward and then shifting it to their left, since that's where the space was.

If a Liverpool central player went out belatedly – whether it be Alexis Mac Allister – then he left space in the middle ahead of the defence because Liverpool were losing a player from the center.

All this is less critical when facing opponents that you dominate possession against – as we've seen their past league wins playing this way – but they need to tighten up because the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Control of Matches'

It is not as if he has changed his duties recently, but since he is not scoring in attack, maybe the defensive side of his performance is amplified.

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

He found some excellent situations against Chelsea but maybe took a chance when he should have passed, and vice versa, but those chances will keep coming and the scores will follow.

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

This has been a frustrating period for them, naturally, not just to suffer multiple games in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but as the performance levels have not been expectations.

There are extenuating circumstances, certainly, with the numerous personnel changes in the summer and the several of individuals who did not have pre-season, but previously Slot's side appeared so effective at controlling matches and that is not the case.

It felt like their defensive shape was solid, and Slot's more possession-based style provided greater control.

This was something that people instantly noticed he had added to the squad, in contrast to what it was like under the former coach.

Currently, however, observing them and it looks somewhat chaotic. The final 30 minutes of the recent match was so frenetic it felt like a cup tie – they had chances to secure victory, but conceded several opportunities too, which is why they ended up losing.

{How Can The Manager Fix Liverpool Issues?

We can identify a several things that are not right about the club, and I keep seeing them giving the ball away, but I don't see an hopeless situation.

Even though Liverpool have several new players – and varied profiles too – they should not need to alter their playing style. They just need to get back to being slightly more patient and calm.

Good news is they are only one point adrift of leaders Arsenal and have opportunity to fix the things that are underperforming.

Fitness element they are missing will improve as the individuals who missed a proper pre-season, like key attackers and full-backs, will attain peak fitness soon.

Building effective understanding on the field requires time too, whether it be between the defender and the forward or other key combinations.

Therefore, there is no reason to panic. It feels like at the moment in the Premier League, and not only with Liverpool but with every side, you are a single match away from 'crisis' and criticism.

The truth is what has happened to Liverpool this week will probably occur at some point to Arsenal and rivals this season.

I didn't previously believed that side would be in the championship chase, but if their star striker remains motivated and fit they will compete.

Arsenal, in defence, appear superb again and, in general, after seven games they appear very assured in what they are doing across the pitch – it looks like a continuation of last season, with an extra dose of quality and squad strength.

For them it seems more of a transition right now. But although there is ongoing work to do for them to find the optimal equilibrium and combinations, I think everyone is anticipating them to progress as the season advances.