Juan Pablo Angel's last-gasp penalty halted Tottenham in their tracks as Aston Villa grabbed a 1-1 draw.
But a point apiece does little for two clubs who have both seen the promise of a return to the good times evaporate with dismal recent runs.
Les Ferdinand had sent Spurs on their way with his 150th league goal, but Darren Anderton handled the ball in injury time to give Villa a spot-kick.
It was particularly cruel on goalkeeper Kasey Keller - given his league debut for Spurs at the expense of the dropped Neil Sullivan - and Dean Richards.
Both had been outstanding as the visitors sat on their lead.
Villa enjoyed the better of the early exchanges, with Darius Vassell twice getting finding a way past the recalled Chris Perry.
His first effort found the side-netting, and then Richards made up ground and produced a saving tackle to thwart his second.
Hassan Kachloul had a low shot saved by Keller before Ferdinand saw a header hit the post in the 27th minute.
Keller then saved Paul Merson's shot - and Kachloul's follow-up - before Ferdinand opened the scoring in the 38th minute. Christian Ziege passed to Teddy Sheringham and the England striker took two defenders out of the game by letting the ball run.
Ferdinand read his fellow veteran's dummy and although his shot hit Peter Schmeichel's leg, it still bounced into the far corner.
Soon after the re-start Lee Hendrie - who passed a fitness test just before the game - forced a fine save from Keller.
A free-kick from Staunton eventually found its way to Hendrie, whose low shot from the edge of the area was turned around a post by the Spurs keeper.
Tottenham were standing firm amid growing pressure from Villa.
As the game moved towards the final 10 minutes, Keller saved a Steve Staunton header and then Richards threw himself in front of Steve Stone's drive.
Spurs might even have scored again in the closing stages as substitutes Sergei Rebrov and Tony Gardner threatened.
But Anderton, despite all his experience, made a howler at the death and Angel made no mistake from the spot.
