IF this was to be Sunderland's last visit to one of English football's most famous grounds, it at least had a happy ending.

Incredibly for a season which plumbed the depths for three months, it finished with mission accomplished.

Steve Bruce’s men completed their campaign in the top half after all, and above Newcastle United to boot.

West Ham United will not be playing in next season’s Premier League, and by the time they return to the top table it may well be with the Olympic Stadium as their home.

Winless there since 2005, Upton Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Sunderland.

However, this was a Hammers side of stunning ineptitude with little to play for, and the visitors gleefully took advantage.

For 90 minutes it had seemed like a day of incredible drama was just something happening to other people, but right at the death Sunderland joined the party.

West Bromwich Albion’s late equaliser catapulted them into a top-ten spot even Bruce had thought unlikely at kick-off, Boudewijn Zenden marked his 50th and last Sunderland appearance with a goal, and Cristian Riveros ensured a campaign of stunning personal under-achievement ended on a high.

The bubbles were blowing before kick-off but the atmosphere could not have been flatter if the demolition men had moved into Upton Park early.

Empty claret and blue seats abounded except in the away end, despite disgraceful prices of £46 a seat. Visiting fans will not miss having to stump up for that next season.

Their caretaker manager might have been Keen but, after he promised to field a team of players proud to wear the Hammers shirt, the hosts’ limp performance perfectly demonstrated why such a talented squad has been unable to stave off the spectre of relegation.

The biggest cheer of the first half came when West Ham’s player of the season Scott Parker warmed up ten minutes before the interval.

It would not be bettered until the former Newcastle midfielder came onto the pitch.

“We’ve only got one man,” the hardcore sang pointedly.