AFC Bournemouth stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to nine matches (W4, D5) after being held to a 0-0 draw by seventh-placed Brentford FC at the Vitality Stadium.

After a quiet opening, the first clear chance arrived midway through the first half when Marcus Tavernier cut inside and curled an effort just wide. Alex Scott then fired over from distance, before James Hill directed a header off target from much closer range as Bournemouth began to assert themselves.

Ryan Christie also rounded the returning Caoimhin Kelleher but ran the ball out of play, while Tavernier produced the only shot on target of the first half, forcing Kelleher to save from a tight angle.

Brentford struggled to impose themselves and managed just two attempts before the interval. They were dealt an early setback when Rico Henry was forced off through injury in the 21st minute, with Kristoffer Ajer coming on in his place.

With little goalmouth action at either end, the sides went into the break goalless, Bournemouth sitting 45 minutes away from what would have been a league-high 13th draw of the season.

The hosts nearly made the perfect start to the second half when Tavernier slid in to meet a cross and clipped the post. He was then perhaps unfortunate not to win a penalty when Michael Kayode appeared to impede him inside the area.

Brentford gradually grew into the contest and finally registered their first shot on target in the 73rd minute, though Dango Ouattara’s effort lacked the power to trouble Dorde Petrovic. The Bournemouth goalkeeper was called into more serious action shortly after, producing a smart save to deny Sepp van den Berg.

Tavernier remained at the heart of the Cherries’ attacking threat and was left frustrated again when he struck the woodwork for a second time from another narrow angle. Evanilson thought he had conjured a late winner with some neat footwork and a tidy finish, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Despite a spirited display, Bournemouth were unable to secure what would have been their first win in nine league meetings with Brentford (D3, L6). The Bees claimed a valuable point in their push for European qualification, remaining seventh in the table, four points clear of ninth-placed Bournemouth.