Source: Daily_Mail
Matthew Upson at a loss to explain the Hammers' second half syndrome
[LNB]Matthew Upson struggled to explain West Ham's habit of second half capitulations after his side's Carling Cup semi-final loss to Birmingham.[LNB]The Hammers have lost 15 points from winning positions in the league this season and their second half hoodoo has now cost them a Wembley place.[LNB]West Ham lead 1-0 at the break on Wednesday night but Birmingham struck twice in the second half to take the tie to extra time before securing a place in the final against Arsenal thanks to a Craig Gardner winner.[LNB] 'Bitterly disappointed': West Ham's Matthew Upson (right) battles with Birmingham's Cameron Jerome during last night's Carling Cup semi-final[LNB] England defender Upson said: 'The pattern is we start the second half poorly.[LNB]'We fought very well in the first half and started the game like we did against Birmingham at home, but the second half we seem to come out with a completely different mindset and attitude. [LNB]'It's cost us points and it has cost us a place at Wembley.'[LNB]Avram Grant's side are embroiled in a tight relegation battle and will need to start closing out matches if they are to retain their Premier League status, something that Upson is well aware of.[LNB]He said: 'We played very well first half like we have a lot of the season, we've shown we are capable of playing some good football and we can get hold of the game and looking like we can win. [LNB]'We need to address this and pick up more points in our remaining Premier League games.'[LNB] Second half blues: Avram Grant's side have lost 15 points from winning positions in the league this season[LNB] The mood in the West Ham dressing room is understandably low after the defeat but Upson is determined the club move forward.[LNB]'Everyone is on the floor. It was a difficult experience and we are bitterly disappointed and it's a real low point, but we have got to move forwards. [LNB]'We are really disappointing to have been in the position we were and not gone on to Wembley.'[LNB] Birmingham avoid FA probe as Cup violence occurred outside the stadiumPolice make 17 arrests after Carling Cup violence at St Andrew'sBirmingham 3 West Ham 1: Gardner sends Blues through to WembleyAll the latest West Ham news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Matthew Upson Places: Birmingham, United Kingdom
