Ouattara Double Earns Brentford Draw With Palace

Dango Ouattara scored twice as European hopefuls Brentford came from behind on two occasions to earn a point against Conference League finalists Crystal Palace.
Adam Wharton’s first Palace goal looked set to earn Oliver Glasner’s side all three points, but Ouattara headed home at the far post with two minutes remaining to salvage a share of the spoils for the Bees.
The visitors had failed to win any of their past five Premier League games, but they were gifted an opportunity to make the perfect start when Caoimhin Kelleher brought down Ismaila Sarr in the penalty area in just the second minute.
Referee Sam Barrott initially waved away Palace’s appeals but awarded the penalty after being sent to the monitor, allowing Sarr to confidently stroke home his 21st goal of the season in all competitions.
Brentford were poor in the first half but restored parity when Jaydee Canvot’s attempted headed clearance struck Ouattara in the face and ricocheted into the far corner – the Bees’ only attempt on target in the first half.
The home side started the second period with renewed purpose, only to fall behind again when Wharton’s low drive squirmed under Kelleher’s body and into the net.
Ouattara was denied by Palace keeper Dean Henderson late on, but the winger’s close-range header earned the Bees a point.
Keith Andrews’ team remain in eighth – which would guarantee a place in next season’s Uefa Conference League – while Palace drop to 15th.