In-form duo Bournemouth and Crystal Palace have played out a goalless draw in this afternoon's Boxing Day Premier League affair at the Vitality Stadium.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between throughout the match, but Palace almost took an early lead through an unlikely source in Damien Delaney.

The centre-back's volley was heading for the back of the net until Cherries defender Simon Francis made a vital clearance.

Eddie Howe's side grew into the game, but they struggled to really test Wayne Hennessey in the Palace goal.

The home side were perhaps a little fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men in the first half when Harry Arter scythed down Wilfried Zaha and only received a yellow card.

In the remainder, Matt Ritchie and Eunan O'Kane both went close, but the two teams appeared to settle for a point that extends their respective unbeaten runs to five games.

Bournemouth stay 14th, three points above the relegation zone, while Palace climb to fifth, two points behind Spurs in fourth.