Bournemouth were comfortably the better side, but the Cherries simply couldn't break through as they drew Crystal Palace 0-0 on Boxing Day.

It was not exactly the most enthralling of performances from Crystal Palace in their draw with Bournemouth on Boxing Day, but it was an important return to form nevertheless. They bounced back from successive league and cup defeats by Arsenal last week to hold a Cherries side who are pushing to secure a spot in Europe next season and claimed an

There was significant fortune in the goalless draw. The home side had 18 shots, four of them on target and 15 in Palace’s penalty area. That exposed Palace’s defensive frailties. The space between defence and midfield which was too often exploited. But they were not breached and it is now five games unbeaten away from home.