Fresh from building momentum ahead of their upcoming European assignment, Crystal Palace looked set to leave west London with all three points before Brentford produced a dramatic late comeback to earn a 2 2 draw at the Gtech Stadium.
The afternoon carried extra significance for Adam Wharton, who finally celebrated his first goal for Palace after 93 appearances since arriving from Blackburn Rovers over two years ago. The England midfielder’s long awaited moment appeared to have secured victory for the visitors, only for Dango Ouattara to deliver a crushing equaliser in the closing stages.
Palace began the contest with confidence and intensity. Inside the opening minutes, Ismaila Sarr raced through on goal and attempted to move around goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who clipped the forward during the challenge. After a VAR review, referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot, allowing Sarr to calmly convert and register his eighth Premier League goal of the campaign.
The visitors continued to threaten as Brentford struggled to settle into the match. Daniel Munoz forced Kelleher into a sharp save at the near post, while Wharton narrowly missed with an ambitious volley that excited the travelling support.
Palace could easily have doubled their advantage before the interval. Yeremy Pino slipped Sarr into space, but his powerful effort rattled the upright. Soon after, Jorgen Strand Larsen curled another excellent attempt against the opposite post as Brentford survived another scare.
Despite being second best for much of the first half, the home side found a fortunate route back into the match. Yehor Yarmoliuk floated a cross into the penalty area, where Jaydee Canvot’s attempted clearance bounced off Ouattara’s face before looping awkwardly beyond Dean Henderson for one of the most unusual goals of the season.
Wharton restored Palace’s lead shortly after the restart with a moment he will remember for years. Munoz laid the ball back to the midfielder on the edge of the area, and the 22 year old shifted onto his left foot before drilling a low strike beyond Kelleher. His celebration, featuring a double somersault in front of the away fans, reflected both relief and joy.
However, Brentford refused to surrender. With only minutes remaining, Ouattara struck again to secure a valuable point that keeps the club’s hopes of qualifying for European competition very much alive.
