Cherries, Spurs Battle to Feisty Stalemate

Bournemouth 0-0 Tottenham 

Eddie Howe has built a fortress at the Vitality Stadium with a vastly improved team since they were promoted, and it's testament to his and the hard work of the loyal group of players he has to make it a consistently tough fixture for even the best teams in the league.

The hosts had the best chance of the half within five minutes too as a short corner which triggered a scramble in the box, was met by pressurised full-back Charlie Daniels who struck first time from close range but Hugo Lloris brilliantly denied him by sticking a leg out and forcing it back out into play.

Bournemouth were intent on using pace in their attacking unit on and off the ball, as the likes of Callum Wilson and Jordan Ibe were ordered to implement a severe amount of pressure on the Spurs back four, which in a way neutralised Pochettino's side from building from the back and became a useful way of reclaiming the ball and forcing errors.

The Argentine boss did finally see glimpses of what he'd initially hopes, as Erik Lamela's long-range effort glanced off the woodwork following a speedy run from Dele Alli down the middle.

For the slight shade in possession and despite that chance, Spurs certainly hadn't made best use of it in the half. Attackers Son, Eriksen, Lamela and Alli struggled to exploit space around the forward areas due to such a tight, disciplined Bournemouth defence who sensed danger and snuffed it out at most opportunities.

The Cherries concluded the first session of football with two chances at the feet of Callum Wilson, but neither were significant enough to take Hugo Lloris out of his comfort zone and it remained 0-0 at the interval.

Based off the eye test, the visitors looked more likely to snatch the lead from chances the likes of Son, Alli and Lamela had but Bournemouth's educated pressure in attack and sturdy defence made it a difficult task at hand.

Both sides returned to the field with intent, as Dele Alli's narrow strike was kept out well by Artur Boruc before Eric Dier was on hand to nod the ball clear of Callum Wilson's clutches and prevent a potential goalscoring opportunity. 

Christian Eriksen cranked up the heat too, however Erik Lamela's two best efforts were unable to even test Artur Boruc as two defenders squeezed him out of possession the first time, subsequent to his his audacious effort blootering straight over the crossbar and deep into the stands. 

The delightful build-up play continued, but more resolute defending from the hosts thwarted Son Heung-Min's attempt at glory following a three-man passing sequence at the creative feet of Mousa Dembele, Erik Lamela and Dele Alli. 

Mousa Dembele was at the heart of mistakes in the second half, but was let off the hook as Callum Wilson's cutback failed to find a red/black striped shirt. Subsequently, Artur Boruc finely denied the low, accurate strike of Danny Rose down to his right.

After being thoroughly dominated throughout the course of the second half, Bournemouth's best chances came in the 88th and 89th minute as Max Gradel, alongside Wilshere in a two-on-two race, scampered right down to the byline but failed to find space to test Hugo Lloris, before Benik Afobe's header following Simon Francis' excellent work on the flank blazed over the crossbar by little margins. 

The Vitality Stadium erupted in delight as an impressive, sturdy display from Bournemouth earned a valuable point against title contenders Tottenham. Both sides each had chances to win and there was a valid case to suggest Hugo Lloris even kept his own side at bay following The Cherries' consistent chances throughout the contest.