LONDON -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes a lack of communication between his players was the key to conceding a last-minute equaliser in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Ten-man Liverpool came back from 2-1 down to snatch a late leveller through defender Martin Skrtel, who was unmarked to score from a free header at goal in the seventh minute of injury time.
Wenger's side have improved their record in defending set-pieces in the past 12 months, but the Gunners boss admitted a lapse in concentration was the root of their downfall last weekend.
"It was an organisational, collective problem because nobody talks," Wenger told a news conference on Tuesday. "We were caught on that. Usually we are not bad on set-pieces defensively. We have one of the better records in the league. It can happen occasionally.
"The mood [after the match] was disappointment because you concede a goal in the last minute. You can concede goals on corners at any minute of the game.
"We were caught because we were not organised quickly enough, but overall the result is not a disaster and it was a fair result given the run of the game."
Germany international Per Mertesacker was criticised for his failure to cut out the late chance that led to Liverpool's leveller, but Wenger insists his centre-back is not suffering a lack of drive after winning the World Cup this summer.
"He gives his best," Wenger said when asked about Mertesacker's form. "I don't think this [motivation] is an issue for him.
"It's difficult for players at the World Cup. I said before, you don't see the best of them until November. I have enough experience to know that. It's difficult for them to get the hunger back and go to Stoke and Sunderland. It takes time to settle and come back to normal life."
Wenger is now targeting a bumper festive points haul as he looks forward to games against Queens Park Rangers (Dec. 26), West Ham (Dec. 28) and Southampton (Jan. 1), with the latter two sides currently sitting ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League table.
"There are three games in a short period of time and we can make points," said Wenger. "It is an opportunity for us to take points. Our opponents will think that as well, but let's put the performances in and capitalise on it.
"We have three games over Christmas. It is not an easy schedule, it's a tough schedule. We have played QPR two years ago and they were both difficult games. West Ham at the moment are in good shape and then we are away to Southampton.
"We have to focus on our performances and make sure over Christmas we take advantage of the schedule we have. We have a good opportunity over Christmas to show we are much better than people think we are.
"You focus on your own performance and don't expect too much weakness from your opponent. The Premier League, every game is difficult and you just want to turn up."
Wenger went on to praise in-form QPR striker Charlie Austin, and suggested his rise through the lower leagues of English football to star in the Premier League could inspire others to make a similar leap.
"It's good to see an English striker who has played in lower divisions who has come up," added Wenger of the forward, who scored a hat trick against West Brom last weekend. "You have to congratulate him on that. That shows mental strength and tenacity. That mental strength is very important at the top level.
"Secondly, it could bring some idea that there might be some other players down there who are good enough to come up to the Premier League and don't get a chance."