Brentford Edges Palace 2-1 Despite Toney Absence

Brentford secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in their season opener even with striker Ivan Toney sidelined due to “transfer interest.” Bryan Mbeumo put Brentford ahead in the 29th minute, shortly after Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze had a goal controversially ruled out. Referee Sam Barrott disallowed Eze’s strike from a wide free-kick because he had blown the whistle for a foul before the ball crossed the line.

Mbeumo capitalized on a mazy run to score past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The Eagles equalized in the 56th minute when Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock accidentally diverted Daniel Munoz’s header into his own net while Odsonne Edouard lurked behind him. However, Brentford clinched the win with a 78th-minute goal from Yoane Wissa, who tapped in after Henderson had saved a shot from Nathan Collins.

Brentford made the most of their chances despite Toney’s absence. Kristoffer Ajer and Kevin Schade tested Henderson before half-time. New signing Fabio Carvalho debuted as a substitute while fellow summer recruit Igor Thiago remains sidelined with a knee injury until late 2024. Crystal Palace faced frustration with disallowed goals. Referee Barrott ruled out Eze’s free-kick due to a foul by Will Hughes, preventing VAR from intervening.

Palace also had a goal from Edouard ruled out for offside. Despite Adam Wharton and others testing Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, including a deflected shot from Eze, Palace could not find a second goal and suffered a disappointing defeat.