'Very hard to handle': Thomas Frank impressed by Crystal Palace star despite 2-1 Brentford win
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Brentford emerged victorious against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on a wet, miserable afternoon in SE25.
A pretty drab affair – one not befitting of Sky’s Super Sunday title – picked up in the second half, as a penalty from Bryan Mbeumo and a header by Kevin Schade put the Bees in the driving seat.
Romain Esse did make Premier League history when scoring just 30 seconds into his debut to give Crystal Palace hope – although the Eagles could not fight back, with Brentford now four points ahead in the Premier League.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 11 | BrentfordBrentford | 23 | 9 | 4 | 10 | 42 | 40 | 2 | 31 |
| 12 | Man UtdManchester United | 23 | 8 | 5 | 10 | 28 | 32 | -4 | 29 |
| 13 | Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 23 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 26 | 30 | -4 | 27 |
| 14 | West HamWest Ham | 23 | 7 | 6 | 10 | 28 | 44 | -16 | 27 |
It was an off day for Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace – who had only lost one of their last 12 Premier League games heading into this clash – although Thomas Frank was still left impressed by one opposition player.
Thomas Frank hails Jean-Philippe Mateta
The Dane singled Jean-Philippe Mateta out for praise after Brentford defeated Crystal Palace.
Frank told Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “I think it was a very even game against two good teams. We defended very well and gave basically nothing away. Mateta is very hard to handle but we handled their front three very well. Very solid performance.”
The Crystal Palace No.14 has been in good form of late, scoring four goals in his last three Premier League appearances heading into this London derby, but Mateta – who wants UEFA Champions League football – could not extend that fine record despite putting in a decent shift.
The odd rule which almost cost Brentford against Crystal Palace
Mbeumo initially missed his penalty – before Tony Harrington allowed the Brentford No.19 to have another go after VAR spotted Marc Guehi encroaching.
The England international was penalised for beating the Cameroon international to the rebound – after his initial effort hit the post.
Bryan Mbeumo misses the first penalty but gets to retake as Palace players entered the box too early!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 26, 2025
No mistakes the second time from Mbeumo! 😤 pic.twitter.com/itU2vVXrXT
However – as we have previously seen when penalty takers are penalised after accidentally touching the ball with their standing foot first – the goal would not have counted, had Mbeumo just tapped in the rebound unchallenged.
The FA rulebook states: "The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player."
Therefore, Guehi actually would have served Crystal Palace better by leaving the ball for Mbeumo.
