AFC Bournemouth were left frustrated at the Vitality Stadium after being held to a goalless draw by Brentford F.C., extending their wait for a first-ever Premier League victory over the Bees.
The Cherries dominated large spells of the contest but were made to rue missed chances, with Marcus Tavernier striking the woodwork twice in a match that marked their fourth draw in five league outings.
Brentford welcomed back goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, who missed the dramatic 4-3 win at Burnley following the birth of his child, while Bournemouth handed Evanilson a starting role after the Brazilian recovered from injury.
Despite Brentford’s impressive away record, seven wins in their last eight on the road, it was the hosts who carried the greater attacking threat for most of the evening.
Evanilson offered an early warning in the 22nd minute when he burst through on goal, but captain Nathan Collins forced him wide before he could pull the trigger. Shortly after, Tavernier curled an effort narrowly beyond the far post.
Alex Scott and James Hill both went close before the break, with Hill heading over from a pinpoint delivery by Rayan.
Ryan Christie also squandered a golden opportunity after being slipped through by Evanilson, dragging his attempt wide while attempting to round Kelleher.
The Brentford keeper was finally tested in stoppage time, reacting sharply to block Tavernier’s drive from a tight angle after a clever through ball from Scott.
Bournemouth resumed the second half on the front foot. Tavernier came closest to breaking the deadlock when Álex Jiménez threaded a sublime pass into his path, but the winger stumbled at the crucial moment and saw his effort clip the base of the post. Jiménez then fired over as the pressure mounted.
The visitors offered little going forward until late in the game. Dango Ouattara registered their first effort on target with a tame half-volley comfortably gathered by Dorde Petrovic, while Sepp van den Berg’s close-range header from Mathias Jensen’s set-piece was tipped away by the Bournemouth goalkeeper.
Tavernier’s misfortune continued in the 77th minute when he smashed a shot against the outside of the post from a tight angle, summing up a night where the Cherries simply could not find a breakthrough.
Evanilson briefly thought he had won it late on, but his well-taken finish was correctly ruled out for offside.
Substitute Junior Kroupi also dragged a late attempt wide as Bournemouth were forced to settle for another stalemate despite their dominance.
