Brentford held by Crystal Palace after welcoming Christian Eriksen

This was a meeting of two sides who look like they are fearing the worst.

Yet while both Thomas Frank and Patrick Vieira will not complain about picking up another point towards their survival fund, neither could be left satisfied after a scrappy encounter that failed to ever really get started.

For Brentford, there was at least the encouragement of ending a worrying sequence of defeats that moves them seven points clear of Norwich in 18th spot, not to mention seeing Christian Eriksen given a hero’s welcome at his new home.

An emotional appearance on the pitch from the Denmark midfielder – billed by his new manager as potentially Brentford’s “greatest signing ever” – before kick-off proved to be the highlight of the afternoon. The 29-year-old is expected to take part in a friendly on Monday as he begins his comeback, although Frank has said he will not be rushed back after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch at Euro 2020.

A player with such top-level experience would be a welcome addition to any squad but for a team that had lost its previous six matches in all competitions before this, Eriksen’s arrival could yet prove to be crucial.

After the blistering start to their first topflight campaign since 1947, Brentford have picked up just eight points since beating Everton here at the end of November and are looking somewhat shaky.

Frank made three changes to the team that lost at Manchester City in midweek, with Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo selected to lead the line in the absence of injured top scorer Ivan Toney. Vieira also mixed up his forward line by bringing in Jordan Ayew for his first start since 1 January and Odsonne Édouard.

Palace’s draw against Norwich in midweek meant they started this match in 13th