Thomas Frank was keen to focus on the positives following his Brentford side’s goalless draw with AFC Bournemouth. 

In an even game, the Bees were made to work hard for a point, though Frank felt the Bees could have got all three. 

“It was a tight game, and one that we mostly dominated without completely banking them in,” said Frank. “If there could have been a narrow winner, then it should have been us. 

“We always want to win, but if you can’t win, then don’t lose. We did that today." 

  • A clean sheet at last

Brentford had not kept a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League for over a year before their visit to the Vitality Stadium, and the Dane was understandably delighted to finally break that run.

“We got a clean sheet for the first time in a long time, especially away from home. That was good. We kept them to almost nothing. 

“We had a good situation for Pontus Jansson, and a good situation for Kristoffer Ajer. 

 

"There was Damsgaard’s shot and three to four good opportunities for Ivan. But none of them were clear-cut, big chances. The reason we didn’t win was the final third quality on the day, we didn’t produce big enough moments."

  • VAR controversy

Bournemouth were denied a penalty in the first half when Jordan Zemura appeared to have been tripped by Ajer. The referee Thomas Bramall did not give a spot kick and stuck with his original decision even when summoned by the monitor by the VAR, a conviction Frank was quick to praise.

“I must praise Thomas Brammall, a young ref. I don’t understand why he was called over to the monitor, but it demands quite a bit to stand there in front of the monitor and overturn the [VAR] decision. 

“I think that’s strong character, and obviously I think it was the right decision.”

  • Damsgaard impresses

The Brentford head coach was also pleased with summer signing Mikkel Damsgaard’s performance on his Premier League debut. 

“I thought he looked promising,” said Frank, “he did some good bits today that were promising in many ways. 

“Unfortunately, the team wasn’t 100 per cent in sync today. Because he’s a good ball player, he needs the team to play a little bit better for him to shine even more.”