Villa again showed just why they're in the top six this season with not one, but two amazing comebacks at
Phil Neville put Everton ahead on 56 minutes but Gabby Agbonlahor restored parity with 10 minutes remaining.
The hosts took the lead again just four minutes later and thought that 5th place was all but confirmed, only for big John Carew to grab Villa a late point.
The performance typified the immense determination and belief that the Claret and Blue have shown throughout the campaign.
They have come from behind to claim a total of 16 points this season including a fine display against
Fortuitous
Everton started well in the clash of the UEFA Cup hopefuls and nearly took the lead with Yakubu testing Scott Carson.
Manuel Fernandes failed to finish after
Villa responded with positivity and almost scored on the brink of half time.
Ashley Young lined up a free kick on the edge of the box and sent a crashing shot against the bar. Tim Howard would not have stopped the fizzing strike had it been on target.
After the restart Everton began to press and eventually the deadlock was broken in rather fortuitous fashion.
The less than prolific Phil Neville sent in a shot from outside the area which deflected luckily off Martin Laursen and fooled keeper Carson.
The Toffees celebrated like they had won the UEFA Cup never mind nearly qualified for it. Their blatant jubilation after the goal showed all sceptics of the European Competition that it still means so much to those outside the 'Big four'.
Villa upped the tempo and with just ten minutes remaining they equalled Everton's earlier excitement.
Gabby Agbonlahor's extended his great goal streak as he finished with composure from a Gareth Barry corner.
It was the fourth goal in as many games for Agbonlahor and he is clearly doing his best to make it onto the plane for
Influential
But, the home side refused to hand Villa a desired point and again started to cross the half way line with vigour.
Substitute and resident Goodison playmaker Mikel Arteta started a move that saw Lee Carsley cross for defender Joseph Yobo to volley in emphatically.
The game looked over once again. It wasn't.
As influential as Arteta is for Everton, you can double that for Gareth Barry's value at
And the midfield maestro illustrated his worth by floating a searching ball into the box for the on form John Carew to head home.
It just had to be Barry and after a stunning display against
The hulk's header meant Villa left Merseyside with their heads held high and their European hopes still very much intact.
A show of spirit and skill again proved to be the order of the day and against a team who progressed so far in