AFC Bournemouth lost more ground in the race for European qualification after being held to a fourth straight draw in the Premier League by relegation-threatened Burnley at Turf Moor.
Manager Andoni Iraola’s side extended their unbeaten run in the league to 10 matches, but five draws in their last six games have slowed their push for a place in European competition.
The Cherries, who have never played in Europe, sit three points behind seventh-placed Brentford with eight games remaining.
Bournemouth started brightly and almost scored within two minutes when Brazilian striker Evanilson rounded goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after a pass from Eli Junior Kroupi.
However, his effort was cleared off the line by Bashir Humphreys.
Despite Bournemouth’s early pressure, Burnley grew into the match and nearly took the lead just before half-time.
Jaidon Anthony arrived unmarked at the far post but struck the crossbar from a corner.
Bournemouth threatened again shortly after the restart when Marcus Tavernier fired narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
The game opened up in the closing stages, but neither side could find a breakthrough.
When these teams met earlier in the season, Bournemouth were denied victory by a late equaliser from Armando Broja at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries looked determined to avoid a repeat as they dominated the early stages at Turf Moor, winning four corners within the opening four minutes.
However, they struggled to maintain that intensity and were fortunate not to fall behind before the break.
Late chances also went begging.
Substitute Enes Unal failed to convert a low cross from Adrien Truffert, while fellow substitute David Brooks could not direct a header on target from another Truffert delivery.
Bournemouth have now drawn 14 league matches this season - the most of any side in the division - leaving Iraola’s team feeling they missed another opportunity to strengthen their push for a historic European qualification.
For Burnley, the result keeps their faint survival hopes alive but time is running out.
Manager Scott Parker’s side remain eight points from safety with both West Ham United and Nottingham Forest above them having a game in hand.
After weathering Bournemouth’s early pressure, Burnley created several chances of their own.
Joint-top scorers Anthony and Zian Flemming both tested goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, while Humphreys and Lyle Foster also came close.
Anthony nearly scored against his former club but fired over after being left unmarked from a James Ward-Prowse corner.
Later in the match, his close-range effort was blocked by Adam Smith.
Burnley have now managed just one league win in their last 21 matches since November and have collected fewer points than any other team in the division during that period.
Although they have managed draws against strong opposition such as Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Bournemouth in recent months, Parker’s team will need victories rather than stalemates if they are to mount an unlikely escape from relegation.
