Palace slipped back into old habits against Brentford as the visitors scored late to take a share of the spoils from Selhurst Park.
Here are five things we learned from Tuesday’s game.
Habit Proving Hard To Break
That felt like a ghost of last season. After taking a while to wake up, Palace had the better of the game, created the clearer chances and held a lead going into the closing stages, only for a lapse in concentration to cost them all three points.
The home side had looked in control for much of the second half but lost all composure when tasked with holding on to their slender advantage, surrendering possession too easily in their own half and failing to take chances to double their tally. They might even have come away with nothing were it not for a lick of paint.
It’s easy to overreact after late goals but that felt like two points dropped. The hope was that last season’s habit of conceding late would be left behind as this team matures under Patrick Vieira but clearly there is still work to be done in seeing out games.
Defensive Tactics Proved Our Downfall
This game was ultimately decided by substitutions. Thomas Frank made full use of the attacking talent on his bench and stretched the game by sending on Mikkel Damsgaard and Yoanne Wissa, who eventually stole in behind the Palace defence to snatch an equaliser.
Vieira responded to Brentford’s changes by switching to five at the back in an attempt to contain that wide threat, but all that did was invite pressure and surrender the control Palace’s midfield had established in the game.
It’s not often that you can accuse Vieira of taking the negative option but he paid the price for being too cautious when the Eagles were on top.
New Additions Needed Before Transfer Window Closws
The substitutions also exposed where Palace still need to strengthen before the close of the transfer window. Every one of Brentford’s changes seemed to improve them whereas Palace looked slower after losing the energy of Michael Olise, Jeffrey Schlupp and Eberechi Eze, which enabled the away side to push further up the pitch. In fairness to Vieira, there were signs that some of those players were tiring after their efforts at Manchester City just three days earlier.
Of those who came on, though, Vitaly Janelt ghosted past Jordan Ayew before delivering the cross for the equaliser, while Odsonne Edouard still hasn’t done enough to convince that Palace can rely on him at this level. Given the options Vieira currently has, coupled with the new five substitution rule, it feels like Palace need two more in before the deadline.
Classy Doucoure Proving Worth
One of the major positives was Cheick Doucoure, who looks a class above anything else Palace have had in defensive midfield in recent times. He was the main reason that the home side eventually gained a foothold in the game, dictating the pace of play and consistently distributing the ball to the wide players.
But at times it looked like he was doing it all on his own. If Palace can get him some help in there then I think we’ll start to see him impact games even more, but it’s already clear why he was the club’s priority this summer.
Zaha Is Completely Indespensible
What did we do to deserve Wilfried Zaha? He’s in the goal-scoring form of his life at the moment and delivered another moment of genius on Tuesday that should have been what this game was remembered for. I sit directly above that corner of the goal in the Upper Holmesdale. With the defender in front of him there was only one place he could have squeezed that ball into the net and he somehow managed to do it.
In a week when Zaha has once again been linked with moves away from Palace, he has reminded everyone just how indispensable he remains to this club. Not that anyone should have needed reminding. I don’t care if we lose him for free next summer, I want to enjoy him for as long as we can.
