Dango Ouattara was Brentford’s savior as they twice came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-2 and capitalize on their chances in Europe.
Palace looked to be holding a 2-1 lead in the 88th minute when Michael Kayode’s long throw was deftly parried by Sepp van den Berg and Ouattara headed home.
It used to be Adam Wharton’s show as the Palace midfielder’s first goal for the club put him on cruise control in west London.
The England midfielder had not scored in 93 games for the Eagles, but his drive past Brentford goalkeeper Caoihin Kelleher looked to have settled the London derby battle in west London.
His cartwheel and somersault celebrations produced a goal worth the wait, but Ouattara awaited again in the closing stages for the Bees to ensure they earned a point.
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Adam Wharton scores his first goal for Crystal Palace
Wharton’s earlier goal was part of a bad day for Bees goalkeeper Kelleher, who tripped Ismaila Sarr just minutes later to give away an early penalty.
Referee Sam Barot initially awarded a corner kick, but the decision was overturned after it was sent to a monitor.
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Ismaila Sarr’s penalty gave Crystal Palace an early lead.
Sarr scored his 21st goal of the season, equaling Andy Johnson’s Palace record for most goals in all competitions in the Premier League.
Sarr and Jorgen Strand Larsen hit the posts and Palace should have taken the lead further, before Brentford equalized in lucky circumstances.
Yehor Yarmoliuk’s cross was cleared by Jaydee Cambot and headed into the goal by Ouattara. Brentford’s striker had no idea when the ball flew into goal.
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Dango Ouattara equalizes for Brentford
However, Palace regained the lead early in the second half thanks to midfield maestro Wharton, who took advantage of a mistake by Kelleher to score from the edge of the area.
Brentford tried to find a way to turn things around, but Palace were relatively comfortable. That was until Ouattara scored a late equalizer – and that was before a whopping 10 minutes of stoppage time.
The Bees almost secured the win as Kevin Shade and Igor Thiago both fired shots over the bar from inside the box to share the spoils.
It was a bit of a disappointing result for Brentford as Manchester City won the FA Cup on Saturday, leaving eighth place in the table for Europe. The Bees still hold that place but will lose it ahead of their final day trip to Liverpool if Chelsea beat Tottenham on Tuesday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Brentford will probably need to beat Liverpool in Mohamed Salah’s farewell match on the final day to have any chance of making it to Europe.
Can Brentford beat Liverpool on the final day and win Europe?
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews told Sky Sports:
“Who knows? We haven’t had time to look at the table. We’re just focused on ourselves.
“Throughout the season, we have seen how we train and where we are. We didn’t perform to our level today, but our character was on full display and I’m sure it will be on display next weekend against Liverpool.”
“We knew it was a special group. That was the most exciting part about taking this job. We’ve earned the right to be where we are. It’s a truly special group.”
Analysis: Wharton could easily be a summer star.
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz at Gtech Community Stadium:
“One more year, one more year, Adam Wharton,” Crystal Palace fans sang. However, the England midfielder has certainly given the performances that are needed this summer.
Adam Wharton was the best player on Brentford’s park.
Wharton did everything right against Brentford. His forward-thinking passing ability created chance after chance in the Eagles’ dominant territory. But his exploits off the ball were also notable, with him leading the way for most ball recoveries in a suffocating 100 minutes in west London among Palace players.
There has been a lot of talk about Elliott Anderson ahead of England’s crucial summer leading up to the World Cup, and also in the transfer window. But Wharton showed he could easily become a summer star.
If he can add goals to his game like he did at Brentford, he would be the perfect all-round midfielder. Those who can’t land Anderson know there are more than enough capable replacements for Wharton this summer.
Wharton: The goal was a long time coming
Adam Wharton celebrates in style after scoring against Brentford
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton told Sky Sports about his first goal as an Eagles player.
“It’s been a long time. I’m happy, but it’s disappointing that we couldn’t get the three points at the end, but it feels good.
“We waited a little too long[for the first goal]. We should have taken it earlier. It was probably the worst shot I’ve ever taken, but it went in, so I’m going to take it.”
“The bad shots are going to continue and you hope they go in. We took them and it was a good performance. We played a lot of games and were getting tired, but I’m proud of the performance against a team that is pushing towards Europe.”
“A draw is not a terrible result. Now (with the European finals around the corner) performance is more important.”
