Bournemouth and Norwich both failed to score on the South Coast today as the Vitality crowd saw a 0-0 draw play out in Dorset.
It was the home side who showed the most intent as the game commenced, with Ryan Fraser sending in a few early looping crosses that the Norwich back line had to deal with and Diego Rico and Philip Billing wasting half chances to test the Norwich keeper early on.
The Canaries however did boast chances of their own heading into the interval, as Teemu Pukki and Moritz Leitner worked an opening for the former to strike at goal, only for Steve Cook to make a last ditch challenge to avert the danger.
The big chance of the half did fall to Dominic Solanke in a Bournemouth shirt. The former Liverpool man received a delightful lay off from Callum Wilson finding himself one on one with Tim Krul, however the Dutchman pulled off a fine reaction save to keep the score goalless.
Todd Cantwell also found himself with the goal gaping at the other hand after a Jamal Lewis back heel split the Cherries back line, only for the Norwich man to cut the ball back and allow the home side to clear comfortably.
The second half looked likely to mirror the first from the off as it was Bournemouth again who started the more likely. Fraser was once again at the heart of the attacks as he sent cross after cross towards the Norwich back post, which the visitors did very well to clear.
However, just like in the first period Norwich looked to respond immediately with Pukki being sent clear of Ake down Bournemouth’s left hand side. The Finland international did excellently to tee up Leitner on the edge only for the midfielder to take a heavy touch and allow Cook to clear the danger.
The Canaries continued to attack with menace as the half drew on and the 67th minute mark saw Aaron Ramsdale make a fantastic one handed save to tip Pukki’s ten yard drive past the post, leaving Daniel Farke with his head in his hands on the touchline.
The two sides exchanged chances as the half came to a close, with Bournemouth substitute Arnaut Danjuma forcing Krul into a routine stop with a curling effort and Trybull drilling a long range effort just past Ramsdale’s post. However both defenses held out in what turned out to be a goalless contest at the Vitality Stadium.
This was in fact the first team this season that both teams have kept a clean sheet.
Norwich’s next fixture sees them welcome Manchester United to Carrow Road, meanwhile Bournemouth make a trip to the capital as they take on Watford at Vicarage Road.
By Harvey Camp (@harveycampjourn)
Keeping a clean sheet is a top priority for Bournemouth ahead of clash against Norwich