The smallest ground in the Premier League may not look like much of a -fortress, but it is fast becoming one. Bournemouth had played some sumptuous football in winning their past three matches here, but they were forced to show their obdurate side as they claimed a well-earned point in a tetchy clash with Tottenham.
This was Tottenham's third draw in a week, and they were forced to fight for it. Led by the tireless Harry Arter, Bournemouth refused to give Mauricio Pochettino's side a moment's rest as they scrapped and battled their way through a heated second half, which Tottenham were lucky to finish with 11 men after Moussa Sissoko appeared to jab an elbow in Arter's face.
The home side could have won it at the death, but manager Eddie Howe was delighted with a point after -producing a performance in which they demonstrated their rugged side.
Such an approach may be at odds with the neat, passing football on show here in the 6-1 drubbing of Hull last week, but in an age where managers are so often pigeonholed for having a specific style of play, it was further proof of the versatility of their manager, Eddie Howe. "I was really proud of the players today," he said. "Probably more proud than I was at this time last week."
Although they were firmly entrenched in their own half for much of the second period, Bournemouth's high-pressing game was very much in effect in the early exchanges, with Jack Wilshere and Arter leading a pack of hunters each time Tottenham tried to play out from the back.
"That was our game-plan, to try and disrupt their way of playing," Howe said. "They are supremely talented players and we felt our best option was to try and stop the ball getting into the final third with our work rate and -intensity. The players have delivered an incredible physical performance."
Tottenham, now undefeated in nine league games, came into this on the back of a taxing trip to Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. Mauricio Pochettino was therefore pleased with a point, but admitted back-to-back draws against West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth were not the results of prospective champions.
"Our start was a little bit sloppy," he said. "And you could tell that the team was not fresh. But after 15 minutes we started to manage the game and it was under control. I am happy but if you want to be a contender you should win one game [of the last two]."
Despite Tottenham's control, Bournemouth had the best chance of the first half. Charlie Daniels looked certain to give his side a fourth-minute lead after a short corner fell his way but the sprawling Hugo Lloris turned his close-range effort on to the bar.
Dele Alli then embarrassed not one but two midfielders with his signature nutmeg before teeing up Lamela, whose curling effort clipped the woodwork as goalkeeper Artur Boruc performed his best statue impression -between the posts. Tottenham were in the ascendancy, but in Callum Wilson, Bournemouth had an energetic, willing runner who was a constant nuisance in behind the Spurs full-backs.
As the game wore on, Bournemouth retreated further and further towards their own goal. Lamela, Alli and Rose all had efforts saved before Pochettino introduced Vincent Janssen as a focal point to the Tottenham attack.
The flashpoint came with around 10 minutes remaining, when Sissoko, who had replaced Alli, threw his elbow into Arter's face on the sideline.
After consulting his linesman, referee Craig Pawson did not even show a yellow card. Both managers later claimed not to have seen the incident.
The home side's frustrations were worsened by the fact that the decision came after a penalty appeal was turned down following a heavy challenge from Victor Wanyama on Wilshere.
Bournemouth could have nicked a win but Max Gradel wasted a promising counter-attack and Benik Afobe headed over with minutes remaining.