Chelsea were excellent for 45 minutes on Saturday.
But half-time came and went, West Ham emerged re-energised and re-motivated and the Blues were torn apart.
Meanwhile, at the Madejski Stadium, seven goals made a mockery of two defences in the first half, but as scribes scrambled through record books the second produced none.
Helping hand: sports psychologist Beswick (left) works closely with McClaren
All because of tactics or a manager's grand plan, or is there something else at work? Have you ever considered the psychology of a comeback? Of a second half that can be the polar opposite of the first?
What about the player who in his club shirt can't miss from the penalty spot but the moment he pulls on the Three Lions twelve yards seems like 20? The distance is the same, it's still him against the goalkeeper but his mind-set has suddenly changed.
The official role of team psychologist, long the norm in athletics, cycling and even cricket, is no longer the exception in football.
David Jones
Quotes of the week
You've all heard the manager whose team have been played off the park tell the press it was his fault his team played so poorly, choosing to spare the feelings of his players.
Or the countless gaffers up and down this land and beyond who find a failing in every referee after every game because it was never their fault they lost.
Psychology has a huge bearing on our game, perhaps more than most of us could ever comprehend - but the tide is turning.
Sounding board
The official role of team psychologist, long the norm in athletics, cycling and even cricket, is no longer the exception in football; they work at training grounds, often one-on-one and sometimes merely at the behest of their employers - the managers.
They are around on match days to offer a well-chosen word of support, counsel those in need or even act as the manager's sounding board.
One of the first was Bill Beswick, a successful basketball coach in his own right who teamed up with Steve McClaren at Derby and took his theories to Manchester United, Middlesbrough, England and beyond.
This week on The Footballers' Football Show, Beswick will reveal some of the secrets that have taken him to the top of his profession, while joining him will be Lee Richardson, West Ham psychologist and former player and manager himself.
Richardson was tempted back into football by Sam Allardyce after a hugely successful spell in the same role with Lancashire Cricket Club.
Dan Abrahams makes up our panel; he is the author of Soccer Tough and a former professional golfer who now lectures others about the mental training he believes is so integral to success.
Join us if you can, it might change the way you think about our beautiful game.
Don't miss The Footballers' Football Show, 10pm, Thursday, Sky Sports 1 HD.
Post to your View!
Be the first to post a comment on this story
Recent Comments:
Christopher Higgs on England's got talent?
"The problem facing English Football and its National Team is the fact that all the players play in their domestic league. England is the famous country where even if an english player ... " View all comments
Aydan Macmillan on More of the shame
"I know that Spanish football has always been over exaggerated when it comes to a foul or simulation but it's rife in every country. The worst case i have seen was either Gerrard's dive ... " View all comments
Tony O'connor on World Cup hot shots
"Why were Wycombe Wanderer players overlooked for the English team. Same old England- leave the best players at home!... " View all comments
Kevin Maltby on Who's on the plane?
"for me this is a strong 30 man squad, except for RB n CB. For me with the injury that Terry might have got today, we are now going to be short in defence, much like Man Utd were this ... " View all comments
Matthew Cartwright on Lagging behind
"I am sick of Liverpool fans saying Rafa Benitez is a good manager. Does a good manager buy Robbie Keane then give him back and play David Ngog instead? The answer is no. Does a good ... " View all comments
Mike Forster on The need for greed
"I think most people will side with strikers ! As watching goals being created and finished off is far more exciting than watching great defensive play ! But you can never underestimate ... " View all comments