Beware the opponent with little to play for. Crystal Palace were supposed to be in preservation mode, their 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, a first in the Premier League, his goal wreaking heavy damage. Dango Ouattara’s second goal, a late second equaliser, set up 10, chaotic minutes of stoppage time but Brentford could not find a winner.
The final whistle arrived with Brentford in eighth place, current permutations making that enough for next season’s Conference League but there is final-day drama, and other factors besides, to see out.
