MATTHEW Upson believes West Ham’s luck will change soon after his team’s frustrating 2-0 derby defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs’ luck has significantly changed since former West Ham boss Harry Rednapp took charge of the North London team, while the Hammers’ three-match unbeaten run was ended on Monday night.

“We’re just disappointed we’ve not taken anything,” said England international defender Upson.

“We were so close to levelling up and taking a point apiece but it wasn’t to be and it’s just a disappointing evening for us and the fans.”

But Upson knows West Ham’s performances will be crucial for the run up to and throughout the festive period as it may decide the club’s fate for the new year.

“There are a lot of teams right in the thick of it,” Upson added.

“This period building up to and through Christmas is really going to put distance between teams who are looking good and heading for the top and those who are going to be at the bottom of the table.

“So it’s going to be an important run of results for us, we have to work hard and stick to what we believe in and grind out some results.”

West Ham, who are in 16th spot, face second-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and the Hammers centre-back is already focusing on getting a result at the Bridge.

“Chelsea is definitely a game we want. We’ve been solid enough to go to places like that and get something from the game,” Upson said.

“I’ve got belief that we can do that and I’m sure the players and coaching staff do too.”

There has been strong speculation that West Ham will be looking to off load key players in the January transfer window to help their financial difficulties, and Upson could be one of them.

The centre-back has been recently linked with a move to White Hart Lane with goalkeeper Robert Green following him in a £16 million joint-deal to solve Tottenham’s defensive frailties.

But Irons manager Gianfranco Zola has ruled out any move for the the Hammers stars.

“Matty is not for sale either now or in January and I don’t have to sell any of my best players. I have been promised that,” Zola said.