Bournemouth were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland on Saturday, missing the chance to strengthen their push for European qualification.
Andoni Iraola’s side fell behind in the first half at the Vitality Stadium when Eliezer Mayenda scored his first Premier League goal since August. The forward reacted quickest after Djordje Petrovic parried Habib Diarra’s powerful strike, slotting home from close range in the 18th minute.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka made his first start since January 17 following an ankle injury and helped steady the visitors, who had lost four of their previous five league games without him. The Black Cats also appealed for an early penalty after Enzo Le Fee appeared to be pushed by Alex Jimenez, but their claims were waved away.
Bournemouth responded after the break and levelled in the 64th minute when Robin Roefs misjudged Marcus Tavernier’s cross, allowing Evanilson to bundle the ball home at the far post for his sixth goal of the season. The equaliser extended the Cherries’ unbeaten run to eight league matches.
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Both sides had chances to win it. Roefs made a double save to deny Marcus Tavernier and Alex Scott in quick succession, while Diarra failed to convert from Chemsdine Talbi’s pass shortly after the interval. Alex Jimenez also fired narrowly wide late on for Bournemouth.
A victory would have lifted Bournemouth closer to the Champions League places, but the draw leaves them eighth in the table. Sunderland remain 11th, two points behind their hosts.