Per Mertesacker rues Arsenal's defensive indiscipline

Arsenal's Per Mertesacker has expressed his frustration at the club's lack of discipline in defence.

The Gunners squandered a two-goal lead during their 3-3 draw with West Ham United last weekend, leaving them in third place in the Premier League table, 13 points behind leaders Leicester City.

Dissecting his side's last outing, Mertesacker called on his teammates to show more "desperation" at the back and learn from their recent mistakes.

"We need discipline," he told the Arsenal website. "We lacked a bit of that desperation at West Ham, to defend and get everyone behind the ball, even when 2-0 up.

"To come back to that level is absolutely important in the Premier League, and if you don't you will get punished. These details are very important to us and everyone can see it, it is obvious."

Arsenal are back in Premier League action this Sunday when they take on Crystal Palace at home.