Bournemouth1 - 2Brentford

A fast-paced, high-octane encounter was anticipated between two sides famed for their attacking qualities, and the first half certainly lived up to the billing, as the Cherries took the lead through a Vitaly Janelt own goal before Yoane Wissa drew the visitors level.

Andoni Iraola's men looked the more likely to respond following the restart, but they were caught cold from a long throw as Christian Norgaard rifled in a second for the Bees, one that proved telling.

Eleventh-placed Brentford have therefore moved to within just three points of ninth-placed Bournemouth in the Premier League standings, and neither side can be discounted in the fight for Europe.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Something about Bournemouth brings out the best in Brentford, and something about Brentford brings out the worst in Bournemouth.

Ever since the two sides first locked horns in the Premier League, the Cherries have never managed to get one over the London side and have now failed to win any of their six such meetings, their longest streak without ever beating a single opponent in the competition.

Milos Kerkez may have added a few pounds to his transfer value with another slick assist, but as was the case against Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth failed to cling onto their lead and were not ruthless enough to regain it.

Conceding from a corner and a throw-in will no doubt concern Iraola, whose side have now lost three on the spin at home in the Premier League and have seen their Champions League hopes evaporate that little bit more.

On the other hand, Brentford's astonishing away form is showing no signs of slowing down, as for all of their recent problems at home, Frank's men have now won their last five Premier League road matches.

With potentially as many as eight European spots on offer in the Premier League, both sides are still in the mix heading into the home straight, but Bournemouth's display leaves more questions than answers again.

BOURNEMOUTH VS. BRENTFORD HIGHLIGHTS

Vitaly Janelt goal vs. Brentford (17th min, Bournemouth 1-0 Brentford)

Another assist for Kerkez, another goal for Bournemouth! Not quite as sublime as his outrageous cross for Marcus Tavernier against Tottenham Hotspur last week, but a potentially crucial one nonetheless!

The Hungarian makes a nice underlapping run to meet Antoine Semenyo's ball to the byline, and his cross to the edge of the six-yard box appears to hit the unfortunate Janelt on the arm before looping into the back of the net!

Yoane Wissa goal vs. Bournemouth (30th min, Bournemouth 1-1 Brentford)

Brentford's deadly double act does the business again! Bryan Mbeumo sends in a brilliant inswinging corner from the left, which Kepa Arrizabalaga comes out to punch but gets nowhere near.

With the Spaniard's in no man's land, Wissa loops a lovely header into the top corner with his back to goal, before immediately rushing over to give the Brentford set-piece coach a hug!

71st min: Bournemouth 1-2 Brentford (Christian Norgaard)

A captain's contribution to put Brentford ahead, and Rory Delap would be especially proud of this one!

Bournemouth fail to deal with a long throw into the box, which bounces once and evades everyone before falling for Norgaard, who rifles in a half-volley past a stagnant Kepa.

MAN OF THE MATCH - NATHAN COLLINS

No player on the pitch made more defensive actions than Collins's 15 for the Bees, as the towering defender racked up 11 clearances, two blocks, one interception and one tackle at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth were huffing and puffing for a good 15-20 minutes before Norgaard's winner, but thanks in no small part to Collins, Frank's side kept an increasingly desperate Cherries attack at bay.

BOURNEMOUTH VS. BRENTFORD MATCH STATS

Possession: Bournemouth 59%-41% Brentford

Shots: Bournemouth 17-10 Brentford

Shots on target: Bournemouth 5-4 Brentford

Corners: Bournemouth 4-3 Brentford

Fouls: Bournemouth 13-7 Brentford

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Once the two-week hiatus is over, Bournemouth battle Manchester City for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals on March 30, three days before also hosting Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

Brentford's first fixture after the international break also takes place on April 2, as the Bees travel to face EFL Cup finalists Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Written by

Ben Knapton