Crystal Palace extended their winless run in the Premier League after their uneventful draw against Brentford.
Brentford and Crystal Palace shared the points after playing out a goalless draw at the Community Stadium in London, with both sides failing to improve their positions. It would be a massive relief for the Bees to end a dismal run of six consecutive defeats, whereas the Eagles extended their winless run to five games.
Crystal Palace’ quest to finish in the top half of the table took another blow, as Patrick Vieira would have wanted all three points. Despite the scoreline, both teams had plenty of chances to score goals, with no player from either side taking responsibility.
On paper, it was a great opportunity for Palace to take advantage of Brentford’s dismal run of form. However, the Bees were defensively resilient, and Vieira’s men were somewhat out of touch with their finishing. Over at the opposite end, Vicente Guaita was on hand to make at least one good save to keep the Eagles in the game.
Next up for Palace is a home game against Chelsea, after which they might have a favourable clash with Watford. Vieira will be hoping for a quick turnaround in form as they could slip further down the table and make it difficult for themselves to climb back and finish in the top half of the table.
Here’s how the Crystal Palace players rated in their draw with Brentford.
Vicente Guaita – 8/10
Guaita had a busy evening in goal, making a few good saves, which crucially kept Palace in the game. Beyond that, the Spaniard was equal to every challenging ball thrown in the area, while he caught everything that came inside the box.
Joel Ward – 5.5/10
In the early parts of the game, Ward was troubled by Brentford attackers, although he grew to be stable later on. He tried to make himself useful in the attack, although nothing clicked for Palace in the final third.
Marc Guehi – 8/10
Guehi dealt with the double threat of Mbeumo and Wissa well while physically imposing himself in the defensive third. He won everything that came his way and formed a fantastic partnership with Andersen at the back.
Joachim Andersen – 8/10
The Dane put in a brilliant performance. Alongside Guehi, the duo were Palace’s most influential players on the evening. He kept the backline tight with his awareness and positioning while imposing himself in the best way possible to prevent Brentford from offering any significant threat.
?? Joachim Andersen v. Brentford
• 11 accurate long balls (match-high)
• 1 blocked shot
• 1 successful take-on
• 1 key pass
• 66 passes completed (match-high)
• 75% aerial duels won
• Clean sheet ✅
• MOTM ? pic.twitter.com/g83WXNMwfk— Matchday365 (@Matchday365) February 12, 2022
Tyrick Mitchell – 5.5/10
Mitchell was also one of those defensive players targetted early on by Bees attackers. However, after a difficult period, the left-back got back on track to try and help his team out from the flank, without any success.
Will Hughes – 5/10
It was more of a hit and a miss kind of performance from Hughes, who never got any control of the midfield area. Operating from the base, the midfielder was tidy enough at times, without ever really influencing play from deep areas.
Conor Gallagher – 4.5/10
This was yet another worrying performance from Gallagher, who continues to put in sub-par displays, contrasting to his form earlier. He barely offered anything with the ball, let alone create meaningful chances for his attacking teammates.
conor gallagher low key fell off since that everton goal
— Tom (@Tom72727) February 12, 2022
Jeffrey Schlupp – 5.5/10
Schlupp was the most energetic of Palace’ midfielders on the evening. He worked hard and looked likeliest to create something for the players in the front.
Jordan Ayew – 4/10
Ayew produced a poor performance, failing to take advantage of some good chances created for him. He offered close to nothing on the ball as the Bees defence rarely broke a sweat defending against him.
Odsonne Edouard – 4/10
Edouard was lively leading the line but offered nothing of substance to call it a meaningful evening. The former Celtic star continues to struggle in settling himself into the rigours of the English top-flight.
Wilfried Zaha – 6.5/10
He looked the biggest threat from Palace’ stable today, creating chaos and panic for the Bees backline. Unfortunately, even Zaha could not influence the result and get the odd goal.
FT: Crystal Palace 0-0 Brentford
– The team dominated possession however failed yet again to get the three pts ⛔️3️⃣
– Zaha with a decent performance today ✅
– Palace move up to 12th with 2 home matches coming up ⏳
— ????? (@KB_EAGLES) February 12, 2022
Substitutes
James McArthur – 5.5/10
To no effect, McArthur replaced Hughes, as Vieira hoped to change the midfield equation with his introduction.
Jean-Philippe Mateta – 4/10
Like the first change, Vieira wanted to bring something new to the attack, but Mateta was as ineffective as Edouard.
Michael Olise – 6/10
Olise had a bright cameo and had a big shoutout to have begun the game in the first place.
