Wilfried Zaha scores in Brentford draw to highlight importance to Crystal Palace

Wilfried Zaha emphasised his importance to Crystal Palace ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline but his side had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Brentford following Yoane Wissa’s late equaliser.

Talisman Zaha, who is reportedly a target for Chelsea and Arsenal before the window closes, looked to have earned Palace a slender win with a stunning second-half opener.

But the battling Bees snatched a share of the spoils against their London rivals thanks to unmarked substitute Wissa heading home two minutes from time.

Thomas Frank’s visitors very nearly left Selhurst Park with all three points as Rico Henry then squandered a golden opportunity in stoppage time before Ben Mee headed against the crossbar.

Michael Olise hit a post for the Eagles ahead of Zaha’s 59th-minute opener, while many of Brentford’s earlier forays forward were undermined by a lack of cutting edge.

Having missed Saturday’s 4-2 loss at Manchester City due to a leg issue, Zaha was back in the spotlight.

Eagles boss Patrick Vieira was tight-lipped on the future of his star man when asked ahead of kick-off but said the Ivory Coast international, whose contract expires next summer, “didn’t mention anything about leaving”.

Home fans sang Zaha’s name throughout the evening, beginning early in an opening period devoid of goalmouth action.

Palace pair Jeffrey Schlupp and Olise fired straight at Brentford goalkeeper David Raya from range, while Zaha’s best opportunity was thwarted by a fine block from Bees right-back Aaron Hickey.

Brentford showed plenty of attacking promise but, despite a string of corners, failed to test Palace keeper Vicente Guaita, albeit Mathias Jorgensen headed over from inside the six-yard box.

Both of last season’s meetings between the clubs