Dango Ouattara salvages point for Brentford and denies Crystal Palace

Beware the opponent with little to play for. Crystal Palace were supposed to be in preservation mode, with attention on more exotic occasions. The ideal opponent for Brentford’s chase for Europe. And yet. Adam Wharton scored his first goal in 94 Palace appearances, his first ever in the Premier League, his goal wreaking heavy damage. Dango Outarra’s second goal, a second equaliser, set up a desperate finish, as 10 minutes of injury time were added but Brentford could not find the winner they so desired. The whistle arrived with them in eighth place, enough for next season’s Conference League, but there is final-day drama to see out,

The Gtech’s post-match farewell to supporters took place amid deep uncertainty. At Anfield next week, Keith Andrews’ team must hope to profit from Liverpool’s factional fissures, or else a season of high promise can end in disappointment. Sunderland, a rival for that position, face another in Chelsea next week, with Brentford’s London rivals having an extra game to play.