Michael Ballack has admitted that Chelsea’s players had an internal meeting to sort out their poor defending after their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.

Villa won the game after netting two set-piece goals on Saturday as the Blues fell off the summit of the Premier League table, overtaken by bitter rivals Manchester United.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti voiced his concerns after the game and has devoted time in training this week in an attempt to tweak with the team's set-piece defensive schemes.

Ballack is adamant that the players were just as disappointed with their performance and have had honest talks about it over the weekend.

The midfielder believes everyone on the team must try to limit their individual errors on the pitch.

"We have no problem to criticise each other in the dressing room. A good team and strong players have to do this," said Ballack.

"We have done this. After that we shake hands and go back on the training pitch.

"The way we lost was very disappointing. We watched the video of the match and everyone could see who made the mistakes.

"That is football, somebody has to make the mistakes. We trained on set-piece situations but it is all about individual mistakes.

"We have to work on it. It was just one game but it was obvious that we lost on set-pieces. We have to be aware.

"Everyone has to improve their movement and defensive organisation. It is a point of personal attitude. Don't concede a goal.

"It happens once now and hopefully it won't happen again. We have to focus on our strengths, which is playing good football and winning games."

John Terry was furious after Chelsea let in the goals against Villa and Ballack hopes that the rest of the squad will learn that such errors are just unacceptable at this level.

"His reaction on the pitch shows he takes a big responsibility. Not just for himself but for the team. That is what you need, you need the players to see it can't happen again," Ballack added.

"I think I have to do this as well, not just because of my age. I have a few years behind me and I have been through a few situations.

"I have to speak to help the team, but not just me, everyone has to take responsibility.

"Of course the weaker teams in the league, they try to score against us from set-pieces because most of the time we will have more possession on the ball."