Source: Daily_Mail
Matthew Upson at a loss to explain the Hammers' second half syndrome
Matthew Upson struggled to explain West Ham's habit of second half capitulations after his side's Carling Cup semi-final loss to Birmingham.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.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. 'Bitterly disappointed': West Ham's Matthew Upson (right) battles with Birmingham's Cameron Jerome during last night's Carling Cup semi-final England defender Upson said: 'The pattern is we start the second half poorly.'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. 'It's cost us points and it has cost us a place at Wembley.'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.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. 'We need to address this and pick up more points in our remaining Premier League games.' Second half blues: Avram Grant's side have lost 15 points from winning positions in the league this season The mood in the West Ham dressing room is understandably low after the defeat but Upson is determined the club move forward.'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. 'We are really disappointing to have been in the position we were and not gone on to Wembley.' 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 Explore more:People: Matthew Upson Places: Birmingham, United Kingdom