The point was enough to lift the Hammers out of the relegation zone after a game in which Villa never really threatened to break the deadlock.

"Away from home it's a good result," Upson told Sky Sports 1.

"We're improving. We've had some really tight games against some top teams.

"We set out well today. The last few months we've had an improvement. Hopefully we can maintain that to the end of the season."

Fellow defender James Tomkins was given the man-of-the-match award for his performance, and he was satisfied with his afternoon's work.

"A team like Villa, you have to keep them quiet in the first half," he said.

"We had a few chances at the end, maybe could have stolen it, but overall we're happy."