'European dream may yet still be alive'

Bournemouth have continued on their impressive run this calendar year, with many fans still dreaming of potentially snatching a European spot by May.

If that were to happen, then the Cherries certainly need to start turning some of their draws into wins.

The club have already recorded more draws this season than they ever have before in their Premier League history, with a couple of months still to play.

This statistic alone shows just many missed opportunities there have been for the south coast side. Only a few more wins would really put the Cherries up there mixing it with the big boys.

In fact only the top three have lost fewer games than Bournemouth this season, but equally only the bottom six have won fewer.

It's a young and talented squad, and it perhaps is that lack of experience and leadership in certain moments which may be preventing the side getting over the line in some of these games.

On the other hand, Bournemouth are certainly making themselves harder to beat. If a few of those draws ended in defeat then the Cherries would be worryingly looking over their shoulder somewhat.

It is a great quality to be able to grind out vital points and maybe being a tougher nut to crack is actually a step in the right direction for Iraola's side?

Whichever way you decide to view it, it's an incredibly high amount of draws.

If Bournemouth get the balance wrong then the season will peter out without too much late drama, but if they were to get it right, then that elusive European dream may yet still be alive!

Find more from Sam Davis at Back of the Net