Match Report: Crystal Palace vs Brentford
Crystal Palace spectacularly ended their eight-game winless run with a convincing 3-1 victory over Brentford at Selhurst Park. This win not only boosted their morale but also allowed them to leapfrog Brentford in the league standings.
Brentford initially seized the momentum, with Keane Lewis-Potter scoring in the opening 90 seconds. The build-up involved a creative backheel from Mathias Jensen to Mads Roerslev, whose cross found Lewis-Potter for an impressive finish past Dean Henderson. Despite a lengthy VAR review, the goal stood, marking Lewis-Potter’s second in three games.
However, Palace, fielding an unchanged lineup, quickly responded. Michael Olise demonstrated his athleticism with a stunning equalizer in the 14th minute, capitalizing on Jordan Ayew’s cross with an acrobatic effort.
Brentford nearly replicated their early goal, but Henderson thwarted Lewis-Potter’s attempt this time. Palace then surged ahead in the 39th minute through Eberechi Eze, who executed a precise left-footed shot past Mark Flekken.
Just before halftime, a potential own goal from Ethan Pinnock caused a scare for Brentford, but Flekken averted the danger.
Olise further extended Palace’s lead around the 60th-minute mark. Showcasing individual brilliance, he navigated past two defenders and precisely found the bottom corner from 25 yards out, marking his fourth direct goal contribution in three games.
Palace nearly added a fourth through Eze, following a well-orchestrated play involving Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Flekken was up to the task.
Brentford’s substitute Neal Maupay nearly sparked a comeback with a potent long-range effort that rattled the woodwork in the 77th minute, but Yoane Wissa couldn’t capitalize on the rebound. Maupay continued to threaten, but Henderson’s superb diving save in the closing moments ensured Palace’s victory.
This result propels Crystal Palace to 13th place with 21 points, while Brentford drops to 15th, standing at 19 points. For Palace, this victory represents a significant turnaround, potentially a catalyst for their season. Brentford, on the other hand, will reflect on missed opportunities and look to regroup as they navigate the challenges ahead in the league.
