Brentford and Crystal Palace played out a tight, tense 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.
These two teams have played each other five times in the Premier League and all five of their opening encounters have ended in draws. That has never happened before in the Premier League.
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The Bees took the lead in the first half through a stunning goal from Kevin Schade, his first for the club, but Palace improved in the second half and Joachim Andersen grabbed them a deserved equalizer.
Thomas Frank’s Brentford have five points from their first three games of the season and remain unbeaten, while Palace have four points as Roy Hodgson will be pleased with their return so far.
Can Palace find attacking solution without their talisman like Brentford have?
Losing Ivan Toney for half of this season was a massive blow for Brentford but their front three of Wissa, Schade and Mbeumo have scored all six of their goals so far and they are stepping up. Big time. That is very handy for such a well-organized team and by the time Toney returns in early 2024, the Bees should be in a good position for their talisman to kick them on in the second half of the season.
Like Brentford, Palace are extremely solid and if Hodgson is able to stop Eze, Andersen and Doucoure from leaving between now and the end of the summer window then they will be a solid midtable once again. But where will Palace’s goals come from? That is the big question, especially after losing Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray this summer. But should it be?
Palace look certain to sign at least one forward in the final days of the summer window and Zaha’s seven goals last season for Palace were important. But what is more important is finding a clinical finisher who fits into their system and let Olise, Eze and Co. create chances galore. Brentford have shown they can cope without Toney and now Palace need to do the same without Zaha.
What’s next?
Brentford host Bournemouth on Saturday, Sept. 2, while Palace host Wolves on Sunday, Sept. 3.
How to watch Brentford vs Crystal Palace live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 10am ET, Saturday (August 26)
Online: Watch online via NBCSports.com
Speaking to the BBC’s Match of the Day about new additions before the window shuts, Hodgson confirmed they are ‘working on it’ at Palace.
“We are working on it. We need some more people in, some more bodies that we can use. The club has always got players in the past and transfers must be a nightmare for people who have to pull it off. I’d much rather coach the team than deal with transfers.”
Here’s more from Hodgson:
All five of the Premier League games between these two teams have ended in draws, which has never happened before in Premier League history.
That was a fair result.
Palace surged back in the second half but Brentford were very good in the first half.
Palace have predictably improved in the second half with Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken having much more to focus on.
Still, Brentford are hanging on for now.
Kevin Schade’s fine goal has Brentford ahead at the break and they deserve it.
In the pouring rain in west London they’ve been the better side and have looked dangerous.
Palace have yet to get going but will fancy their chances of grabbing a point in the second half. There’s no way the Eagles can play that poorly again, right!?
Roy Hodgson has a face like thunder as he sits on the sidelines with his jacket hood pulled over his head to try and stay dry.
Kevin Schade has put Brentford ahead with a stunning goal and that is his first goal for the Bees.
A great ball forward from Christian Norgaard and Schade cuts inside from the left, beats Joel Ward and smashes a beauty into the far top corner.
Wow. Brentford keep flying without Toney.
Yep, this is pretty much going as we thought.
Brentford having a lot of the ball and playing direct, while Palace have had some chances on the counter.
Very even, tight encounter and we can expect this throughout.
Fun fact: Palace and Brentford have drawn all four of their games in the Premier League.
The Eagles are also unchanged as Eze, Doucoure and Andersen all start.
All three have been linked with a move away from Palace in the final days of the summer window but surely Roy Hodgson won’t lose all three?
Your XI has arrived 📨
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 26, 2023
📲 @shophumm
The Bees are unchanged as Mbeumo, Schade and Wissa lead the line once again.
🐝 An unchanged XI for the Bees today#BRECRY pic.twitter.com/LDoiSDP0vq
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 26, 2023
Crystal Palace injuries
OUT: Michael Olise (thigh), Matheus Franca (back), Will Hughes (knee)
Brentford injuries
OUT: Ivan Toney (suspension), Josh Dasilva (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Ben Mee (calf)