Stalemate at Selhurst Park as Bournemouth Let Palace Off the Hook

Crystal Palace Hold Firm as Bournemouth Miss Golden Opportunity

AFC Bournemouth will be kicking themselves after a goalless draw at Selhurst Park on a night when the odds should have been firmly stacked in their favour. Crystal Palace, down to ten men for the entire second half following Chris Richards’ red card, dug deep to frustrate the Cherries and deny them what could have been a crucial three points in the race for European football.

For Bournemouth, this goalless stalemate was less a point gained than two dropped, especially given the context. With Aston Villa still to play and a European spot just about within touching distance, this was a real chance to pile on the pressure. But instead, Andoni Iraola’s side left south London with only frustration for their troubles — and with Crystal Palace’s defence taking most of the credit.

A Red Card, a Missed Call, and a First Half Full of Talking Points

Frustrated Bournemouth held to 0-0 draw at 10-man Palace

The game’s big flashpoint came right on the cusp of half-time. Chris Richards, already walking the disciplinary tightrope after an earlier booking for a foul on Dango Ouattara, saw red for pulling back Justin Kluivert as the Dutch winger threatened to burst through. From a referee’s standpoint, it was probably the right call, but it didn’t go down well in the home dugout — especially given what had happened minutes earlier.

Palace were incensed that Bournemouth’s Alex Scott wasn’t shown a second yellow for a cynical foul on Ismaila Sarr just ten minutes before Richards’ dismissal. It added fuel to an already tense encounter and left the hosts with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Still, the red card changed the game in a way that should have suited the visitors. Bournemouth, already enjoying more of the ball, had a numerical advantage and a full 45 minutes to make it count. But what followed was a masterclass in defending from the Eagles — and a surprisingly toothless attacking display from the Cherries.

Bournemouth Struggle to Break Down Stubborn Palace

Despite dominating possession after the break, Bournemouth rarely looked like scoring. The only real effort of note came when Evanilson met Adam Smith’s cross with a tame header that was easily gathered by Dean Henderson. Apart from that, there were hopeful shots from range, a few scrambled half-chances, and not much else to write home about.

It wasn’t as though Iraola didn’t try to tweak things. Alex Scott, lucky to still be on the pitch after his first-half challenge, was withdrawn at the break for Lewis Cook. Tyler Adams, also walking a fine line after his booking for a foul on Eberechi Eze, was replaced by Marcus Tavernier shortly after the restart. But despite the fresh legs and attacking intent, the cutting edge just wasn’t there.

Bournemouth’s best chance arguably came before any of the drama unfolded — early in the first half, when Dean Huijsen connected with an Antoine Semenyo cross, only to mistime his attempt and fail to trouble Henderson.

Now, the Cherries sit on 49 points — a new club record in the Premier League, yes, but still five points off seventh. Depending on how results go elsewhere, they could finish the weekend even further behind. With only a handful of games left, opportunities like this one are fast running out.

Palace Show Grit and Togetherness to Earn Hard-Fought Point

For Crystal Palace, this was far from a spectacle going forward. In fact, they failed to register a single shot on target all game. But defensively, this was a display full of heart, resilience, and togetherness — and another sign of the progress being made under Oliver Glasner.

The Austrian coach has quietly transformed Palace into one of the league’s most stubborn opponents. Since the end of October, only four teams had amassed more points in the Premier League — a stat that highlights just how much things have changed since his arrival.

Palace actually started the game on the front foot. Jean-Philippe Mateta nearly got on the end of a Daniel Muñoz cross, although the flag would have gone up for offside. They came even closer shortly after half-time, when Maxence Lacroix just failed to reach a dangerous Will Hughes free-kick.

There were a couple of heart-in-mouth moments for Bournemouth as well. Ilia Zabarnyi almost put through his own net with a misjudged header from a corner, and Hughes’ deliveries caused issues throughout.

But in truth, the final stages saw Bournemouth running out of ideas, with Semenyo firing high into the stands in stoppage time in what proved to be their last real effort.

Where It Leaves Both Teams

The draw keeps Crystal Palace in 12th place, five points behind Bournemouth, who sit in 10th. For Glasner and his men, this was about character — a team showing fight and discipline even when the going got tough.

For Bournemouth, it was a night of frustration. A one-man advantage, more possession, and nothing to show for it. With Villa, West Ham, and others still battling it out for that final European spot, nights like this might come back to haunt the Cherries.

The keywords for Bournemouth now are missed opportunity. Because that’s exactly what this was.