Bournemouth missed the chance to close the gap on the Premier League’s top seven as they were held to a draw by 10-man Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The home side had to play over half the match with a numerical disadvantage after Chris Richards’ dismissal in first-half stoppage time, but Andoni Iraola’s side failed to break down their opponents in a second half low on goalmouth drama.
The first half had ended in controversy after Palace defender Richards, who was already on a booking for an earlier foul on Dango Ouattara, was shown a second yellow card for a tug on Justin Kluivert.
Palace were incensed at the decision, particularly as referee Sam Barratt had opted against dismissing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott for a second bookable offence following a foul on Ismaila Sarr 10 minutes earlier.
The visitors dominated possession after half-time but, aside from a tame Evanilson header from Adam Smith’s delivery, the Cherries rarely looked like breaching Palace’s organised defence.
The draw moves Bournemouth on to 49 points – a club record in the Premier League – but they remain five points behind seventh-placed Aston Villa, who host Newcastle in Saturday’s late game.
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