Crystal Palace moved up a gear and delivered a timely statement of intent in the Premier League as they downed Brentford 2-0 at Selhurst Park. With the hosts orchestrating victory through set-piece excellence and a clean defensive display, the result will bring welcome relief to manager Oliver Glasner’s side.
The opening goal arrived in the 30th minute. Mateta met a looping header from Yéremy Pino’s free-kick that had been flicked on by Jefferson Lerma, steering the ball past Caoimhín Kelleher and giving the Eagles the lead.
Just after the break, the second goal followed from unconventional means. A long throw by Lerma caused chaos in the Brentford area and the Bees’ skipper Nathan Collins inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net to make it 2-0.
Throughout the match, Palace looked comfortable. They coped well with Brentford’s efforts to push forward particularly from throws and set-pieces and largely controlled the tempo. As the full-time whistle blew, the three points were firmly with the Eagles.
For Brentford, it represented a disappointing afternoon. The home tactics that had recently served them — especially the long-throw game were turned back against them. The defeat raises questions about consistency as they look to climb from mid-table.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will take heart. The win lifts them into the upper half with renewed momentum and reinforces their belief that they can compete for stronger finishes this season. With a clear plan and execution, the Eagles have reminded both fans and rivals of their potential.
