Aston Villa were denied a return to winning ways in the Premier League as a late Diego Tristan goal earned West Ham United a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.
Fifth-placed Villa had been in wretched form over recent weeks, and their visitors, who sat seventh at kick-off, arrived in the Midlands breathing down their necks in their race for a place in the maiden campaign of the Europa League.
An early goal from Emile Heskey, who was returning from injury, looked set to allow Villa to record a first league win since defeating Blackburn in early February, but the Hammers hit back in the dying minutes through Tristan.
For the majority of the season Villa had looked set to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, but a winless top-flight run which now stands at eight games has led some critics to question whether even a top-seven finish is a certainty.
A host of clubs have emerged as contenders for continental football, but Villa demonstrated they remain focused, despite seemingly losing their quest to gatecrash the top four, as Heskey netted a close-range opener in the 11th minute.
However, Spanish veteran Tristan spoilt the party in the 85th minute when he deflected an equaliser at a corner to earn a share of the spoils.
Villa played with great fluency with stand-in skipper Gareth Barry instrumental in setting up wave after wave of attacks.
His midfield partner Stiliyan Petrov and winger James Milner also made telling contributions while Heskey and John Carew always demanded close attention up front.
Highlight:
Aston Villa v West Ham United
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