Brentford edged Crystal Palace in a tightly contested match at Selhurst Park during Match Week 23, showcasing their clinical finishing against a spirited Palace side. Despite the Eagles dominating possession (54% to Brentford’s 46%), the Bees buzzed their way to victory with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade. Palace had their chances but lacked the finishing edge, with Eberechi Eze netting their lone goal.

Key Stats Breakdown

Shots: Palace attempted 15 to Brentford’s 13, but only 5 were on target compared to Brentford’s 6.

Expected Goals (xG): Brentford edged the xG battle (1.92 vs. 1.44), reflecting their higher-quality opportunities.

Possession: Palace maintained the ball longer, but Brentford’s quicker transitions proved decisive.

Match Momentum

The match’s momentum swung both ways, as the cumulative xG chart indicates. Brentford’s sharp attacking moments came late in the second half, with decisive contributions from Schade (79′) and Mbeumo (65′). Palace’s momentum peaked when Eze’s goal (84′) offered a lifeline, but the Bees held firm in the closing minutes.

Shots Taken and Goals

Brentford capitalized on two high xG chances near the six-yard box, highlighting their clinical edge.

Palace struggled to convert from their 17 box touches, with Eze’s goal being their lone bright spark.

Possession and Passing Tactics

Brentford: Their pass map highlights an efficient build-up through midfielders Christian Nørgaard and Mathias Jensen, with Bryan Mbeumo pivotal in the final third.

Crystal Palace: Palace’s passing network revolved around Eberechi Eze and Jeffrey Schlupp, who linked up well but lacked incisiveness in key areas

Crystal Palace will rue missed opportunities and a lack of cutting-edge finishing, while Brentford demonstrated the value of clinical efficiency. The Bees’ tactical discipline and ability to capitalize on moments of brilliance made the difference in a game that could have gone either way.