Brentford 1-1 Crystal Palace: Brentford continue unbeaten run with last-gasp draw
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Vitaly Janelt scored in the dying seconds to ensure Brentford's 11-match unbeaten run continued in the Premier League
Brentford continued their impressive unbeaten Premier League run with a last-gasp equaliser against Crystal Palace.
The Bees are now 11 top-flight games without defeat after a late header from Vitaly Janelt denied Palace.
Bryan Mbeumo's cross was met by Janelt who sent the home crowd wild deep into stoppage time.
Substitute Eberechi Eze had opened the scoring for Palace with his fourth goal of the season, beating Ethan Pinnock at the back post to get on the end of Michael Olise's cross.
Chances were few and far between in a cagey game with few clear-cut opportunities.
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard had a good chance just before the hour mark when his half-volley was struck into the midriff of Vicente Guaita.
"A point when you equalise late and the team is not working 100% and we continue this unbeaten run gives us confidence," Bees boss Thomas Frank told BBC Sport.
"[It's a] big thing that we can keep this unbeaten run going."
Janelt delivers for Brentford
Thomas Frank praises Brentford 'mentality, spirit and energy'
All three of Janelt's goals for Brentford this season have come at home and been scored in games that finished in a draw.
This one will feel like the most important with Crystal Palace on the verge of a crucial win.
Brentford are unbeaten in the league since 29 October and harbouring hopes of qualifying for Europe.
But the hosts were not at their best and Norgaard could have been more clinical with a shot that whistled past the post, a glancing header from a set-piece and a half-volley that Guaita saved.
"The feeling when you have a late equaliser, the emotion running through your body is crazy in many ways," added Frank. "It feels like a game we have won but I still have mixed emotions because we only got a point."
Palace still waiting for first win of year
Palace 'didn't create' many chances - Patrick Vieira
Palace have failed to win any of their seven Premier League games in 2023, drawing four and losing three.
On this occasion, Patrick Vieira's side were seconds from a much-needed victory after Eze met Olise's cross.
Palace remain without their talisman Wilfried Zaha and were lacking a cutting edge, as Jean-Philippe Mateta headed over from a Jordan Ayew cross.
Olise had a shot tipped over the bar by home goalkeeper David Raya as Palace struggled to make the most of their chances, meaning their wait for a first win since New Year's Eve continues.
Vieira was disappointed to concede so late when victory was within touching distance.
"It feels like a defeat, of course," said Vieira. "The last kick of the game... it was really tough, really difficult.
"We shouldn't concede a goal like that."
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