On a day of if's and buts Villa cemented their place in the Intertoto Cup.
One of those if's Gareth Barry, who may or may not stay at
Former Villan Nobby Solano curled in the opener for the hosts after just eight minutes but Ashley Young restored parity.
It was an emotional day for the travelling Villa fans as they said farval to Olof Mellberg.
The superb Swede rewarded each of the supporters with a shirt to say thanks for the support.
They hardly needed a thank-you as only the most deviant follower wouldn't applaud the man who has been a rock at the back for seven stable years.
Unfortunately for Mellberg a winning climax wasn't to be and the Claret and Blue were left to reflect on what might have been and what might just be.
Had they won against
However, it has been a fantastic campaign for Martin O'Neill's men who have to be delighted with a top six finish.
Relief
The lively affair at Upton Park was just another in a long line of intriguing away displays and again Villa refused to be beaten on the road.
They will hope to make
And if they really are to challenge for a top four finish the Claret and Blue must hold onto their skipper whilst building around him.
The side is desperately short of quality cover and with so many players playing so many games, the transfer market must be a source or relief rather than despair.
That is the immediate focus but it will determine long term success.
As entertaining as the performance against the Hammers may have been, Villa again failed to keep a clean sheet.
Winning games when playing badly is the mark of champions, but winning games when playing well is the mark of necessity.
A summer of learning ensues for the Villa boys.