Bore Draw as Cherries make it four games without defeat

It was a pleasant afternoon at the Vitality as AFC Bournemouth hosted Brentford F.C., the first meeting between the two sides in the Premier League. Today’s fixture completes the full list of EFL domestic competitions in which these two sides have contested each other.

The game resulted in a disappointing 90 minutes of play with neither side able to put on a strong attacking display. The Cherries will be happy with the valuable point and strong defensive performance, meaning it is now four games without a loss for Gary O’Neill’s side.

O’Neill made just one change to the starting line-up with Kiefer Moore replacing Ryan Christie.

Brentford took control of the early stages dominating possession, forcing Bournemouth to the edge of their 18-yard-box early. An early shot on target from Mikkel Damsgaard gave the home side early warning signs that they will have to begin to get a foothold into the game sooner rather than later.

With 10 minutes gone, that is what Bournemouth did as they started to control the tempo. Jefferson Lerma and Lewis Cook in the midfield for the Cherries grew more comfortable to pick the ball up and start playing between the lines. The interchangeable qualities of Cook and Lerma allowed either one of them to take and spread the ball. When the time deemed right, they were able to play it direct and advance.

VAR was required halfway through the first half as a result of Bournemouth pushing forward, which saw Jordan Zemura fall in the box when met with a challenge from Kristoffer Ajer. Referee Thomas Brammel did not signal for a penalty, but play was paused when VAR official John Brooks advised him to go to the monitor. Brammel stuck to his original decision and play continued.

The second half continued with both sides attempting to dominate the ball but neither team were able to create an opening. Both defences comfortable in protecting their 18-yard-boxes.

Brentford resumed in dominating the flow as they looked to go into half-time with the lead; leading to the best chance of the halve falling to Ajer but his lofted header was over the bar.

The home side did not rest until half-time as they pushed for a chance just before the end of the halve, but Marcus Tavernier’s attempt inside the box was met by a strong tackle from Ben Mee.

The sides went into the changing rooms at 0-0.

Bournemouth initially started the halve pressing the away defence and looking to regain the ball high up the pitch. A corner resulting from the press put hands on head for the home side as Lerma’s headed attempt was well defended by striker Ivan Toney off the line.

The high pressure from the home side soon stopped with the large majority of the halve seeing Brentford control possession. The Bournemouth defence, most notably Chris Mepham and Marcos Senesi, were very comfortable in defending their box.

As the minutes dragged on through the halve, neither side were able to gain any momentum as Brentford continued in their slow play around the back and occasional hopeful ball in the box.

Toney was able to create himself some space in the box as he met Josh Dasilva’s first time flick with a volley but left Neto unconcerned.

As expected, the last five minutes saw Bournemouth push the Brentford defence back as they looked to nick three points.

The last play of the match would see loud calls ring around the Vitality for a handball within the Brentford box. The full-time whistle blew instantly, and VAR deemed the culprit had no deliberate intention as his miskick met his arm close to his body.

Despite the game lacking creativity, credit is due for the home side in their defensive performance. In form striker Toney was reduced to very few touches and left him frustrated at the final whistle. Hence, the MOTM award going to Chris Mepham was very well deserved.

The Cherries return to the Vitality next weekend against bottom of the table Leicester as they look to continue their streak of no defeats.