Upson admits Hammers fatigue
by Toby Davis, 07 March 2008
Matthew Upson admits West Ham’s injury-hit squad are looking worn out ahead of Sunday’s clash with London rivals Spurs.
Alan Curbishley’s side have been deprived of key players throughout the season, with Upson the latest star on the treatment table after picking up a calf strain at Anfield on Wednesday.
And the centre-half’s injury comes as a hammer blow to a defence that has leaked eight goals in their last two games, having been soundly beaten by both Liverpool and Chelsea.
“Because we've been unable to score enough goals, every game has been tight and taxing,” Upson said.
“We need to regroup now and, given a match against our local rivals Spurs on Sunday, we don't have much time.
"Across the middle we look a bit leggy and lack the urgency to run beyond the strikers. We haven't passed the ball at all over the last two games and that's because we're not using the energy to run into space and receive the ball.
"We identified what's wrong and we need, as a group, to address it because, although we're safe, we can't afford to let the season just dwindle away."
And Upson also went some way to agreeing with fans urging Curbishley to ditch the backs-to-the-wall attitude and adopt a more expansive game.
"We could go that way," Upson added.
"We haven't got too much to lose now but the players have to be in the right condition if we're going to throw everything at it.
"I know the supporters are hungry for some more attacking action and flair, but it's up to the manager to decide which way he wants to go."