West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing pleased by second-half improvement

Stewart Downing has admitted that an improved second-half display was at the heart of West Ham United's 3-0 victory over Hull City.

The Hammers looked sluggish and uninspired during the opening 45 minutes at Upton Park on Sunday, but three goals after the break saw them get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

Andy Carroll found the net soon after the restart before goals from Morgan Amalfitano and Downing secured the points.

"The first half was really poor," Downing told the club's official website. "We didn't really get out of the blocks. It was a bit flat, I think you could sense it in the ground and they made it difficult for us.

"But I think [in] the second half the manager wanted us to try different things and get in behind them more. I wouldn't say the system changed, it was just more about making better runs and being better with the ball. We just had more energy, more movement and it's killed them a little bit."

West Ham return to FA Cup action this Sunday when they travel to League One side Bristol City in the fourth round.