But he said they were up to scratch against the Mags. Perhaps because they were given something to cheer!
The Geordie boys, as always, gave Hammer's substitute Nobby Solano a great reception. Still a hero to the Toon Army, a player who ALWAYS gave 100% ... unlike "Sick Note" Kieron Dyer.
The England international was out injured (as you'd expect) and didn't play for West Ham. But the Geordie boys still reminded him of what they thought about him. Which ... errrr ... isn't very much.
Curbishley: "We played ever so well for 40 minutes and perhaps could have been a couple more in the lead.
"But we had a crazy couple of minutes, perhaps overplayed a little bit in the middle of the park, got caught with it and Barton played a terrific ball over the top and that is what Martins feeds on.
"Young James Tomkins just got caught under it, had to make a decision, but that's another learning curve for him.
"He's played ever so well again today, but he was playing against top class forwards there today, and that has turned the game back in their favour.
"We just needed to get through that last couple of minutes.
"I was delighted with the way we played, for the whole game really, but obviously two wasn't enough.
"There was a different atmosphere today from the start. Going into the game against Derby, no disrespect to them but the expectation levels were high.
"I think everyone was disappointed by last week, the fans and ourselves, and the reaction, when you sit down and think about it, wasn't the best.
"We asked them to get behind us today and we responded. I was really pleased with the support we got today and it does make a difference."