Alan Curbishley admitted he had apologised to some of his players after West Ham's opening day defeat to Manchester City at Upton Park.

Curbishley admitted: "It is a massive disappointment. We started poor and got worse.

"City produced a classic away performance. they got their goal, sat back a bit and then finished us off.

"But their passing and control was miles in front of ours. We looked laboured, tentative. Only Greenie (keeper Rob Green) came out of it with real credit. The rest have to look at themselves.

"I've apologised to one or two players for playing them out of position but we had to make changes. City dictated for the first 15 minutes and we never really got back although we could have taken a good chance (through Dean Ashton) before their second goal.

"City came here probably not knowing what to expect and they will be delighted. I've said to Sven, well done - your first half performance won it.

"I think he will be pleased with his start back in English football and the Premier League. We haven't got a game midweek and maybe that's a blessing with a full week to put things right. We just have to get on with it."