Match Analysis: Brentford vs Crystal Palace (Premier League 2024)

Overview

On August 18, 2024, Brentford faced Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener at the Gtech Community Stadium. The match ended with Brentford securing a 2-1 victory, marking a significant start to their season. This analysis will delve into the key moments of the match, the impact of officiating decisions, and the performances of individual players.

Final Score: Brentford 2 - 1 Crystal Palace

Goals:

• Brentford:
  • Bryan Mbeumo (30')
  • Yoane Wissa (78')
• Crystal Palace:
  • Ethan Pinnock (own goal, 56')

Key Moments

Controversial Disallowed Goal

One of the most pivotal moments of the match occurred early on when Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze scored a stunning free-kick that was disallowed by referee Sam Barrott. The decision stemmed from a foul called on Will Hughes, which occurred just before the ball crossed the line. This decision was met with widespread criticism, as many believed that Hughes himself was fouled. The inability of VAR to intervene due to the timing of the referee's whistle added to the frustration for Palace.

Brentford's Response

Following the disallowed goal, Brentford capitalized on the momentum shift. Just four minutes later, Bryan Mbeumo scored with a well-placed shot from the right side, curling the ball past Dean Henderson. This goal not only gave Brentford the lead but also showcased their resilience in bouncing back from a potentially demoralizing moment.

Second Half Drama

The second half saw a resurgence from Crystal Palace, who equalized through an own goal by Brentford's Ethan Pinnock. A deep cross from Tyrick Mitchell found Daniel Munoz, whose nod down inadvertently deflected off Pinnock into the net. This moment highlighted Brentford's defensive frailties, which had been a concern in previous seasons.

However, Brentford's determination shone through as they regained the lead in the 78th minute. Yoane Wissa scored after Henderson parried a shot from Nathan Collins, allowing Wissa to poke the ball home from close range. This goal not only secured the win but also demonstrated Brentford's ability to capitalize on defensive errors from their opponents.

Tactical Analysis

Brentford's Formation and Strategy

Brentford lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, which allowed them to maintain width and exploit the flanks. The absence of Ivan Toney, due to transfer speculation, forced manager Thomas Frank to adapt his strategy. Mbeumo and Wissa led the attack, supported by Kevin Schade, who provided pace and creativity.

Brentford's midfield, anchored by Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen, played a crucial role in transitioning from defense to attack. Their ability to win second balls and maintain possession was vital in weathering the early pressure from Palace.

Crystal Palace's Approach

Crystal Palace, under manager Oliver Glasner, adopted a more aggressive approach, particularly in the first half. Their pressing game aimed to disrupt Brentford's build-up play, and they were successful in creating several chances, including the disallowed goal. Eze's creativity and vision were central to Palace's attacking play, and his absence from the scoresheet was a significant blow.

However, Palace's defensive organization faltered at critical moments, particularly in the lead-up to Brentford's goals. The inability to clear their lines effectively led to both goals, highlighting a need for improvement in their defensive cohesion.

Player Performances

Brentford

• Bryan Mbeumo: The standout player for Brentford, Mbeumo's goal and overall performance earned him the Player of the Match award. His ability to cut inside and create scoring opportunities was instrumental in Brentford's success.
• Yoane Wissa: Wissa's late goal was crucial, showcasing his poaching instincts. His movement off the ball created space for his teammates and added an extra dimension to Brentford's attack.
• Mark Flekken: The goalkeeper made several key saves, particularly in the first half, to keep Brentford in the game. His performance was vital in maintaining Brentford's lead.

Crystal Palace

• Eberechi Eze: Despite having his goal disallowed, Eze was a constant threat throughout the match. His ability to create chances and link up play was evident, and he remains a key player for Palace moving forward.
• Ethan Pinnock: The own goal was a significant error, but Pinnock's overall defensive contributions were solid. He will need to learn from this mistake to avoid similar situations in the future.

Conclusion

Brentford's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments. The controversial disallowed goal for Palace shifted the momentum in Brentford's favor,