Player ratings from Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw with Brentford – Eze shines from the bench and Andersen impresses on his return
A late Brentford equaliser from Vitaly Janelt cancelled out Eberechi Eze’s opener and denied Crystal Palace their first win of 2023.
Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from the Gtech Community Stadium:
VICENTE GUAITA – 6
Solid afternoon for the Spanish goalkeeper. A handful of smart decisions to either punch or claim the ball when Brentford looked to cross for Ivan Toney.
NATHANIEL CLYNE – 7
Impressive afternoon for the ex-Liverpool defender. Clyne dealt with Yoane Wissa well, which led to Thomas Frank taking the winger off.
Wissa’s replacement – Kevin Schade – was also kept quiet by the 31-year-old.
JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 7
The Danish defender was a rock at the back, making his first start since he picked up a calf injury in the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.
Andersen made 15 clearances – a match-high – but was suffering from cramp at the end and did not pick up Janelt for Brentford’s goal.
Picture : Keith Gillard
MARC GUEHI – 7
Another assured performance from Guehi. Was not required to deal with Toney as much as Andersen was, but helped keep Palace solid at the back until the final moments of the game.
TYRICK MITCHELL – 7
Won 100 per cent of his four tackles and blocked two crosses. The Eagles will be hoping his injury is not a serious one.
CHEICK DOUCOURE – 6
The Mali midfielder only attempted one tackle but made four clearances.
ALBERT SAMBI LOKONGA – 6
The Arsenal loanee looked bright on his first Crystal Palace start but was taken off after 63 minutes.
Looks a more natural defensive midfielder than Doucoure.
MICHAEL OLISE – 7
Excellent cross for Eberechi Eze’s opener, curling a stunning cross into the danger zone for the Greenwich-born attacker to head home.
Had the best pass completion percentage of any player who started the game, with 96.
Picture : Keith Gillard
JORDAN AYEW – 6
Did so well to chase down every ball and carry Palace up the pitch, but gave the ball away for Brentford to score their equaliser.
JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 5
Schlupp looked lost on the left-hand side, and he was moved into the middle once Eze was introduced.
Only completed one tackle and lost possession three times.
JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA – 5
Only won 20 per cent of his aerial battles and lost possession twice. Did not register one shot on target.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Subs:
EBERECHI EZE – 8
The 24-year-old was pure class after he was subbed on. Looking like a player with a point to prove, his cameo could have seen him play his way back into the starting line-up.
Scored, dribbled at the Bees defence and played a handful of excellent passes.
ODSONNE EDOUARD – 6
Hard to give a real rating, as the former Celtic forward only played for 10 minutes. Had the chance to double Palace’s lead but could not get a shot off from the edge of the box.
NAOUIROU AHAMADA – 6
Another bright cameo from the winter signing. The 20-year-old presses really well, playing almost as a second striker alongside Edouard for the final 10 minutes.
CHRIS RICHARDS – 5
Mbeumo’s cross for Brentford’s equaliser came down his left-hand side.
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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