Bournemouth Sets Unwanted Record but Shows Fight Against Brentford

Bournemouth walked off with a point and a Premier League record they never wanted. Four games played, four times in front, and still no win. No side has ever started a season like that.

The draw leaves them 15th, frustrated but not broken. Their manager Rose chose to lean into the positives when he spoke to BBC Match of the Day, pointing to the way his side dragged themselves back into it after going behind for the first time this season.

"We were behind for the first time this season, we reacted well, and lucky me, we didn't concede a late goal. We had more chances, more possession, we were the best team," he said, clinging to the performance rather than the statistic.

Rose highlighted the physical and tactical battle his players had to handle. Brentford, he reminded everyone, are no soft touch.

"Brentford is a tough opponent, they are good for second balls and have quite big guys and ballers as well. I liked how we competed, the way we defended in most situations. I like the way we attacked, our attitude. We were unlucky in a couple of situations, so we just get a point."

That single point, hard-earned and a little raw, also extended Brentford’s dominance in this fixture. The Bees remain unbeaten in nine Premier League meetings with the Cherries, winning five and drawing four, and this result mirrors their four-game unbeaten opening from last season. Different year, same early rhythm.

Brentford boss Andrews, though, was in no mood to celebrate the record. His assessment cut through the numbers.

"I thought we could have done better. We did not hit the levels we set for ourselves," he admitted, knowing his side had left something out there.

They had come into what he called "a difficult place" and found Bournemouth’s structure awkward to unpick.

"We come to a difficult place. They play a very specific way, and it was difficult to deal with at times. Equally, we did not make life easier for ourselves by certain things we were doing. Overall, I think it's a point game."

If Brentford fell short of their usual standards, one man stood firmly above the rest. Schade, with two goals, gave Andrews something to genuinely enjoy.

"He [Schade] was electric, he really has. The second he has come back in pre-season, the way he has attacked everything. He's in a good rhythm with his game. He looks very free at the moment, so long may that continue."

So Bournemouth carry on chasing that first win, haunted by a strange record but buoyed by their manager’s faith. Brentford, still unbeaten against them in the top flight, move on with their streak intact and a forward in full flow.