Andoni Iraola's Champions League hopefuls Bournemouth were held to a 0-0 draw away from home by Crystal Palace on Boxing Day at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League.
The visitors produced few opportunities of note and instead had to weather their hosts' onslaught in the second half, facing nine shots in the second 45 minutes.
The Cherries' draw means that they now have 29 points and drop from fifth to sixth place, while Crystal Palace stay in 16th place with 16 points, and are only five points from 18th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Bournemouth should not be too disappointed with the draw considering they still played well, producing nearly 20 shots and producing 1.2 xG, more than twice the figure Palace managed.
The Cherries are still in contention for European football and are still above the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
As for the visitors, taking a point away from home in the Premier League against Bournemouth should not be underestimated, especially considering their hosts have beaten both Man City and Arsenal at home.
Glasner's side are still in a relegation battle, but they have now lost just once in their last six fixtures in the top flight.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. CRYSTAL PALACE HIGHLIGHTS
23rd min: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) blocked shot
© PA Photos
Dango Outtara rises to meet head at goal from a corner, but his header is blocked inside the six-yard box and drops for Antoine Semenyo, who has his shot cleared off the line by Ismaila Sarr.
49th min: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) blocked shot
© PA Photos
Bournemouth counter-attack at speed after and Semenyo shoots from the centre of goal on the edge of the box, and his effort is kept out by goalkeeper Dean Henderson, before Justin Kluivert drives a follow-up shot at goal but hits Enes Unal, and Henderson saves the blocked shot with his left hand.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JEFFERSON LERMA
© Imago
Jefferson Lerma proved his worth at the Vitality stadium, often having to defend in a midfield role for prolonged periods in a deeper block.
The midfielder attempted eight defensive actions, made 12 recoveries and won six of his eight ground duels, and had to deal with his partner Will Hughes being substituted off due to injury.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. CRYSTAL PALACE MATCH STATS
Possession: Bournemouth 52%-48% Crystal Palace
Shots: Bournemouth 18-10 Crystal Palace
Shots on target: Bournemouth 4-4 Crystal Palace
Corners: Bournemouth 5-2 Crystal Palace
Fouls: Bournemouth 13-12 Crystal Palace
BEST STAT
Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal Palace 📈
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 26, 2024
Bournemouth make it six consecutive Premier League games without defeat with this 0-0 home draw with Palace. pic.twitter.com/TvalnkZPBF
WHAT NEXT?
Bournemouth will continue their charge for European football on Sunday against Fulham before facing Everton on January 4.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will play Southampton on December 29, and are set to take on Chelsea in the Premier League on January 4.
Lewis Nolan
