Upson: Christmas is crucial for West Ham

Upson, who has been one of the more consistent perfomers in the side this term, admitted the players know they are in danger of getting into relegation trouble.

He said: “We are and we have to accept that and understand that it tests you and we have to come out the other side with a couple of positive results, and that needs to happen sooner rather than later."

Six points would be very welcome after West Ham faltered at home yet again against Villa. It was disappointing for their fans following the previous week's excellent draw at Chelsea.

But Upson, 29, said the players are approaching every game in the same way, regardless of the oppostition, despite some poor displays against the Premier League's lesser lights.

“We just need to prepare for every game to win it," he said.

"If you don't prepare like that then you may as well not turn up. Those games (Pompey and Stoke) are not winnable if you don't approach it in the right way.

"They're as big as Chelsea at home and away, but if we prepare well for it then we've got enough to win them and hopefully that's what we'll do."

Goalscoring is a major concern with the Hammers hitting the net just four times in the last 12 games. It is something Upson, who scored for England in Germany last month, admitted is a problem.

He said: “We don't look like we're creating enough or scoring enough goals. That's the one side, collectively, as a team, that we haven't done well enough this season. Stats show that. We need to improve on that if we're going to pick up three points rather than a draw here and there.

“You have to take a collective responsibility for what you do on the pitch.

"We're all responsible for scoring goals and conceding goals. We can all contribute more, even if its just in the mentality to be more positive and more attack-minded.

"Maybe that will just nudge us over the edge to nick a win here and there and drag us out of the position we're in.�

And with speculation mounting about the sale of the club Upson admitted these are interesting times at Upton Park.

He said: “There's never a dull moment at the club, but that can be a positive as it's a big football club and people want to know about it.

"It's a great club to play for but we have to achieve over the Christmas period.

"It's not all doom and gloom, we have to stick to the things we believe in. Work hard on the training pitch, keep doing what we're doing and it will happen.

The England defender also wants the fans to keep supporting the side, despite having little to cheer about recently.

He said: "I didn't hear anything negative from the supporters. That's fantastic and it only helps the team.

"Once that turns then it does make the task that much more difficult, but they've stuck with us and we have to respect that."

West Ham play Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Boxing Day, with a 1pm kick off. They entertain Stoke at Upton Park on Sunday, December 28, when kick-off is 2pm.