Bournemouth 0-0 Tottenham: Report, Ratings & Reaction as VAR Denies Precious Cherries Win
By Ross Jackson
Bournemouth and Tottenham played out a turgid 0-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Thursday evening, as VAR intervention (or lack of it) once again dominated proceedings.
A dismal first half had little in the way of action, with a strong Harry Kane penalty claim following a clash with Josh King the only talking point of note. However, it was turned down by the officials.
The second half sparked into life with just a minute left on the clock, with Callum Wilson wheeling away in celebration having notched a late winner, only for VAR to curtail his joy after King was adjudged to have handled the ball prior to it passing Hugo Lloris.
There was just time for Harry Wilson to have one last chance to grab a vital three points for the Cherries, only for Lloris to smoother his close-range effort, with both sides having to settle for a point which doesn't really suit either party.
Bournemouth
Key Talking Point
After five seasons in the Premier League, Bournemouth's end-of-season form has seen a return to the second tier look an inevitability for some time.
The Cherries looked to have clinched a late winner as Wilson fired home with just a minute left of normal time, but were agonisingly denied a Premier league lifeline as VAR (correctly) adjudged the ball to have clipped King's arm before hitting the back of the net.
What had looked like an unlikely winner ultimately became a kick in the teeth, with Bournemouth heads dropping and the prospect of relegation beginning to look a case of 'when' rather than 'if'.
Howe's men have looked better in their displays against Spurs and Manchester United, but it all seems too little to late.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Ramsdale (7); Smith (8*), Ake (7), Kelly (6), Rico (7); Brooks (7), Lerma (6), Gosling (6), Stanislas (7); C Wilson (6), King (6).
Subs: Stacey (6), H Wilson (5).
Adam Smith
The Bournemouth right back's evening was cut short following a nasty collision with Ben Davies before the hour mark, though his performance prior to the injury was the best on the pitch.
The Cherries defender didn't allow Steven Bergwijn to get a look in, with the Dutch forward hooked off at half-time with Smith clearly getting the better of the pair's tussle.
Smith was proving to be a threat offensively as well as being rock solid at the back, with his linkup play with David Brooks looking the most likely avenue of success in a lacklustre opening half.
The injury which led to the conclusion of the full back's evening typified his display, steaming into a challenge in the left midfield position in an attempt to regain possession and put his side back on the front foot. A good display from the 29-year-old which deserved a better ending.
Can't question Adam Smith's commitment tonight. #afcb
— Paddy (@MtMephamV5) July 9, 2020
That’s two times Adam Smith has out his body on the line tonight. Fair play to him - a much improved performance today. Hope it’s not a nasty one #afcb
— Ben (@RampantRico) July 9, 2020
Tottenham
Key Talking Point
Any Spurs fans looking to pinpoint the main flaw in their poor Premier League campaign need look no further than their form on the road; just three away wins from 16 prior to their trip the the Vitality and just one clean sheet all season.
This performance offered little to suggest Spurs' away form is set to turn a corner any time soon. A display lacking in any sort of quality, Jose Mourinho's men at the very best looked solid, but going forward they showed no spark against a Bournemouth side who've shipped 59 in 33 league games.
They came within an inch of defeat, only for VAR to prevent Mourinho's men from suffering a second successive away defeat since the return.
They may have been denied a penalty in the first half, but - on a lacklustre evening - Spurs did little to merit more than a point.
We will never get those 45 minutes of our lives back.
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) July 9, 2020
Before today, Bournemouth had 1 point in their last 8 league games and conceded 9 goals in the last 2. They had never played a Premier League game and not faced a shot on target.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) July 9, 2020
Tottenham had 0 shots on target.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Lloris (6); Aurier (6), Alderweireld (6), Vertonghen (6), Davies (6); Winks (6), Sissoko (6), Lo Celso (5); Lamela (5), Bergwijn (4), Kane (5).
Subs: Son (5), Ndombele (7), Moura (6), Fernandes (N/A).
Tanguy Ndombele
The former Lyon man has endured a tough first season in England, with speculation already beginning to grow regarding his future at Spurs.
Having started on the bench the France international was introduced after a first half completely bereft of drive and creativity, and he had a clear influence on proceedings.
In a Spurs display lacking in any sort of quality, the 23-year-old at least provided a spark and showed a willingness to drive forward and make offensive passes. A tidy performance made to look all the better by the wretched performances of some of his teammates.
Mourinho/Ndombele stuff is classic, tiresome Jose, turning a situation into a manager v player debate, but it’s a deflection really from the fact he’s got an entire group of players he can’t seem to get a tune out of. So far, at least.
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) July 9, 2020
I've figured out why Mourinho won't play Ndombele..... he actually likes to play attacking football ? pic.twitter.com/TW7nCMv9ju
— Trevor Lloyd (@Trevorlloyd92) July 9, 2020
#thfc already look better and more progressive with Tanguy Ndombele on the pitch.
— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) July 9, 2020
Looking Ahead
The hectic Premier League schedule sees both these sides back in action as soon as this weekend. Bournemouth's bid for survival gets no easier as they host Champions League chasing Leicester on Sunday, before a daunting trip to fallen-champions Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Spurs have the small matter of a clash with north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, before they travel to Steve Bruce's Newcastle on Wednesday.