Kevin Schade’s second goal of the afternoon ensured Brentford left Vitality Stadium with a deserved point, as AFC Bournemouth’s search for a first Premier League win of the season continued following an absorbing 2-2 draw.

Bournemouth had looked set to turn the fixture in their favour after responding to an early setback and then taking the lead shortly after half-time. But Schade, clinical with both of Brentford’s efforts on target, struck again four minutes later to settle a lively contest.

Schade opens, Kluivert responds

Brentford broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Schade headed home to give the visitors the advantage. Bournemouth had enjoyed more of the ball and carried the greater volume of attacking threat, but the Bees made their opening count.

The hosts responded quickly. Justin Kluivert levelled in the 38th minute, restoring parity before the interval and rewarding Bournemouth’s persistent pressure in the final third. The sides went into half-time at 1-1, with the contest finely poised.

Tavernier’s lead erased

Marcus Tavernier appeared to have put Bournemouth on course for the breakthrough win when he scored in the 52nd minute. The Cherries had control of possession and created chances in volume, finishing with 56.5 per cent of the ball, 20 shots and 10 efforts on target.

Yet Brentford answered immediately. Schade struck again in the 56th minute to complete his brace and make it 2-2, demonstrating the ruthless edge that kept the visitors in the match despite their more limited attacking output of eight shots and two on target.

The closing stages became increasingly combative, with Bournemouth picking up late bookings through James Hill, Lewis Cook, Adam Smith and David Brooks. Neither side could find a decisive third goal, however, and the points were shared after six minutes of added time.

What it means

The draw leaves Bournemouth winless after four league fixtures, but there was plenty in their attacking performance to encourage the home support. With attention around the club also heightened by recent transfer speculation involving one of their defenders, the immediate priority remains converting dominance into victories.

Brentford remain unbeaten, taking another hard-earned point before hosting Chelsea on September 18. Bournemouth next face a demanding home fixture against Liverpool on September 20.

Goals: Brentford — Kevin Schade 34′, 56′. AFC Bournemouth — Justin Kluivert 38′, Marcus Tavernier 52′.