Bournemouth held by Brentford in stalemate

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:54 am
Pontus Jansson and Philip Billing contest possession.
Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images

Bournemouth and Brentford played out a goalless draw in their first top-flight meeting at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday as both teams endured a frustrating afternoon in the Premier League with few clear-cut chances.

The hosts had a penalty appeal turned down in the 20th minute when Kristoffer Ajer challenged Jordan Zemura, with referee Thomas Bramall sticking with his original decision after reviewing replays of the challenge on the pitchside monitor.

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Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto parried Mikkel Damsgaard's effort to safety in the opening minutes in what proved to be the best chance of a scrappy and disjointed first half where Brentford had better attempts but no luck in front of goal.

Shannon Baptiste played a dinked pass into the path of Ivan Toney, who dragged his shot wide, while Ajer met Damsgaard's looped cross but steered his header onto the roof of the net in the closing stages before the break.

Toney could only fire over the crossbar from close range after Josh Dasilva's cushioned pass in the 75th minute before Bournemouth had another penalty appeal denied late in the game after the ball appeared to hit Mathias Jensen's hand from a corner.

Bournemouth have now failed to score in their last three home games but stretched their unbeaten run to four matches to remain 12th in the league, while Brentford slipped to 10th.