Dango Ouattara struck twice, including an 88th‑minute header, as Brentford drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace and stayed in contention for European qualification. Brentford trailed on two occasions at Gtech Community Stadium yet finished stronger, missing late chances that could have turned one point into three against Oliver Glasner’s side.

Crystal Palace had appeared on course to halt a five-match winless Premier League run when Adam Wharton restored their lead early in the second half. Ismaila Sarr’s early penalty had already put Palace ahead, but defensive lapses and wasteful finishing left the visitors unable to close out the victory.

The closing stages belonged to Brentford, who increased pressure after Ouattara’s second goal pulled them level. Michael Kayode launched a long throw that Sepp van den Berg flicked on to the far post, where Ouattara nodded home. In stoppage time, Kevin Schade and Igor Thiago both shot over when clear chances opened up.

Earlier, Brentford’s first equaliser came in scrappy fashion five minutes before half-time. Jaydee Canvot attempted a headed clearance inside the Palace box, but the ball cannoned off Ouattara and bounced past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. That fortunate goal punished Palace for failing to extend their advantage during a dominant first period.

Palace had started strongly and earned a sixth-minute penalty when Ismaila Sarr was felled by Caoimhin Kelleher. The decision followed a VAR review, after which Sarr placed the spot-kick into the net from 12 yards. Palace stayed on top and controlled possession for much of the opening half-hour.

Sarr then went close to a second goal after being released by Yeremy Pino, but his powerful effort crashed against the crossbar. Jorgen Strand Larsen also hit the frame of the goal in the 33rd minute, drilling a shot that thudded against the woodwork as Brentford struggled to contain repeated Palace attacks.

Seven minutes after the interval, Palace moved ahead again through Adam Wharton. Collecting the ball just outside the penalty area, Wharton fired low towards goal and Kelleher failed to gather cleanly, allowing the shot to squirm under the Brentford goalkeeper. That strike marked Wharton’s first goal for Palace in all competitions.

Wharton’s breakthrough was also significant statistically. The midfielder scored on his 94th Palace appearance in all competitions, finally converting with his 81st shot for the club. Yet Brentford responded with more energy after falling behind again, even though clear opportunities remained scarce until the late equaliser sparked a frantic finish.

Palace’s inability to protect leads continued a recurring pattern this season. They have now dropped 21 Premier League points from winning positions, with only Newcastle United losing more before Newcastle’s match against West Ham. The result extended Palace’s run without victory to six league games, despite twice holding control of the contest.

Ismaila Sarr’s contribution underlined his status as Palace’s key attacking figure. His penalty took Sarr to 21 goals in all competitions this season. Among Premier League players, only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland with 37 and Brentford’s Thiago with 25 have scored more, highlighting Sarr’s influence in front of goal.

Sarr’s total also matched a club benchmark. The 21-goal haul equals Andy Johnson’s record for the most goals scored by a Crystal Palace player in a single top-flight campaign, set in the 2004-05 season. Sarr reached that mark despite Palace’s mixed league form and recent difficulties closing out matches.

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The balance of chances slightly favoured Brentford according to expected goals data. Brentford generated an xG of 2.05 from 14 shots, while Crystal Palace posted 1.67 from 16 attempts. Those figures suggested Glasner’s players might even feel relieved to leave with a draw after failing to add a third goal.

For Brentford, the draw maintained hopes of reaching a top-six place and European football next season. For Crystal Palace, it brought more frustration after another match where the lead slipped away. Both teams now move forward aware that missed chances and defensive lapses shaped a tense contest at Gtech Community Stadium.