Despite Liverpool's winning start to the Premier League season, club legend Phil Thompson is marginally concerned by what he perceives as a drop-off in the team's defensive solidity.

Although some way shy of Chelsea's record-breaking tally of 15 (2004/05), Liverpool's concession of 22 goals last season represented the best return of any Premier League club since Manchester United finished on the same total a decade ago.

It is perhaps with this lofty standard in mind that Phil Thompson, a stalwart of Liverpool's backline for over 10-years, is feeling a little bit concerned about a drop-off in form.

"I've been a bit worried about the defence," he admitted on Friday's OTB AM, "I've been really worried since the pre-season because there was a lack of concentration in games."

After a season where Premier League success escaped them but Liverpool secured a sixth Champions League win nevertheless, the players may have been forgiven had they gotten off to a slightly slow start.

However, while Thompson sees no slackening in pace from Liverpool's attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, the defensive unit has some questions to answer.

"People go on about a high line," outlined Thompson, "and though I can't say I don't agree with them, I think we're about five yards too high.

"When they do push up and the ball goes over the head, it's about how you react.

"I think this season and in pre-season, when the ball goes over the head they're looking around to see who is going back.

"So we're always sort of chasing back and maybe one yard or two behind attackers."

With Liverpool's first major task of the Premier League season to come this weekend, Thompson believes that Arsenal's own defensive issues make Liverpool the favourites, nevertheless.

Furthermore, with two imperfect backlines and a host of attacking talent, he is expecting goals.

"This could be one of the biggest scoring games in the Premier League I think since it started," he suggested.

"Arsenal have had a little bit of a good start and you can feel a little bit of confidence in there."

You can listen to Phil Thompson's interview in its entirety here. 

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.