Vitaly Janelt rescues Brentford and denies Crystal Palace first win of 2023

Just when it looked like Eberechi Eze’s deft header had stopped them in their tracks, up popped Vitaly Janelt at the very last moment to stretch Brentford’s unbeaten run to 11 matches and deny Crystal Palace their first victory of 2023.

Given that only two goals had been scored in the three previous Premier League meetings between these clubs, this was never likely to be a classic and so it proved. But having taken the lead midway through the second half courtesy of a flowing move that was started and finished by Eze six minutes after he had been introduced off the bench, the sucker punch for Palace arrived courtesy of another substitute in the form of Germany midfielder Janelt.

It was cruel on Patrick Vieira’s side, who will now be looking nervously over their shoulders at a potential relegation dogfight. For Brentford, who knows where this may all end?

It seems hard to believe now but, back at the start of November, Palace actually had more points than their London rivals having also played a game less. Brentford’s unbeaten run that stretches back to a 4-0 thrashing against Aston Villa at the end of October included victories over Manchester City and Liverpool as Frank’s side picked up 20 points in the process.

By contrast, Palace had accumulated only six in the same period and came into this game without the injured Wilfried Zaha once again, with Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga handed his first start since joining on loan from Arsenal. Brentford made three changes from the controversial draw at the Emirates as Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva and Yoane Wissa were all restored to the starting lineup.

Despite the paucity of goals between these two sides in their past encounters, either could easily have been ahead in the