Brentford

Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

My overriding emotion about this season is one of immense pride - it's been an eight out of 10 campaign.

We defied the critics and we were never in any relegation trouble for the fifth Premier League season in a row, while our ninth-place finish is our joint highest in the competition.

We're also London's second top club after champions Arsenal!

Best moment and why?

I have two...

The first is Mikkel Damsgaard's last-gasp winner in the crazy 4-3 win at Burnley, where we'd thrown away a 3-0 lead and been saved from going 4-3 down by VAR. The goal sparked the best celebrations of the season and was a moment of sheer elation.

Matching that as an emotional high was Josh Dasilva's return from more than two years out injured, against West Ham. His entry as a late substitute earned a standing ovation and brought a tear to everyone's eye.

Player of season and why?

It has to be Igor Thiago. To come back from terrible injury and hit the ground running with 22 Premier League goals in his first full campaign in the competition is a huge achievement.

Unsung hero and why?

Midfielder Yehor Yarmoliuk. It's hard to believe the 22-year-old has already been a first-team regular for three seasons. He gets through an enormous amount of the not-so-glamorous work every game and is a star in the making.

Biggest disappointment?

Up until Sunday, my biggest disappointment was the wasted opportunity in the FA Cup after losing on penalties in the fifth round at West Ham.

However, that has now been eclipsed by us missing out on Europe on goal difference. I had accepted we weren't going to make it before Sunday but, having come so close, I am way more gutted than I thought I would be.

What needs to change this summer?

Chance creation. Too many draws in the closing stages of the season ultimately cost us and we need to have more goal opportunities.

Major hope for next season?

Going better than this one and making Europe. If we can improve the squad depth, there is no reason why we can't achieve it

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

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Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.

Prediction: 16th

There is not enough humble pie to go around here and a slice should be aiming in this direction. It was real shame that Brentford missed out on Europe, but they can take huge credit from this season.

Keith Andrews' appointment in succession to the beloved Thomas Frank was regarded as a high-risk promotion from within, yet he has done a superb and seamless job, even after losing key strikers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to Manchester United and Newcastle United respectively.

Igor Thiago has been one of the Premier League players of the season. Jordan Henderson has brought experience and guidance in midfield. And Caoimhin Kelleher has shown, as he did at Liverpool, that he is a quality goalkeeper.

What I said in August: "For the first time in a long time, I genuinely fear for Brentford."

Check out the rest of my review here

We asked for your views after Brentford narrowly missed out on European qualification following a draw at Liverpool on the final day of the season.

Here are some of your comments:

Linda: I was at the game and it was a hard-fought point. I'm pleased that we haven't qualified for Europe as we don't have the depth in the squad. League status is more important and it is definitely something to aim for next season.

Sanjay: I don't think the Bees should be too disheartened. We have had a great season and hats off to Keith Andrews and the team for the tremendous effort they have put in. All the so called pundits said we were going down and how we have proved them wrong. We had our chances in this game, but to get a draw at such a prestigious club is simply wonderful. Roll on the next season.

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David: Absolutely heart-breaking. You can look back and say we should've taken our chances in games we were expected to win, and had our European dream wrapped up long before the final game. But even so, going to Anfield was never going to be easy, and the lads gave absolutely everything. They made us proud. No matter how this ends, there's no denying this team has given us some incredible moments and we have played football that's been exciting, fearless, and a joy to watch. Still so very proud. Come on you Bees.

Ray: So many thanks to Keith Andrew. The doom merchants had us relegated before the season started.

Les: Unfortunately, we've dropped too many points over the past three months in games we should have won. A good effort, but we should already have secured our spot in Europe before going to Liverpool. That said, a great season after so much has changed.

Maxwell: Ultimately, one win in 10 games isn't European qualification form. Credit where credit is due, Andrews has continued to make us hard to beat. But there's that 'if only' feeling that if we had turned just one of our many draws into wins, we'd have got over the line. Overall, it's been a season we've over-performed considering in August many of the fanbase were nervous about having a relegation battle.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-0 Everton

• West Ham United 3-0 Leeds United

• Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

• Brighton 0-3 Manchester United

John Bennett
Final Score reporter at Anfield

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Brentford's European dream may be over but this was another performance that will fill their fans with hope for the future, and it was more evidence of the great job that manager Keith Andrews has done this season.

The game at Anfield was overshadowed by the farewells for two Liverpool legends - Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson - but Brentford came so close to the win which would have not only delivered European football but also a famous double over Arne Slot's side.

Their equaliser, just six minutes after Liverpool had taken the lead, summed up Brentford's character and fighting spirit. Then in the closing stages they gave Liverpool so many nervy moments, including wasting a great chance just before the final whistle.

Meanwhile, what Andrews said after the game will surely add to the optimism around Brentford right now. He told reporters that he is excited because they will "be better next year".

So, sadly, Bees fans won't be having a European tour just yet, but from the evidence of the performance they produced at Anfield, and also the displays throughout the entire campaign, it seems as though the club will be back pushing for those European spots a year from now.

A team tipped by many pundits as relegation favourites came so close to the Europa League and no doubt they'll keep on proving their doubters wrong next season.

Brentford boss Keith Andrews, speaking to Sky Sports: "We gave it all. Everyone can see that. We had to suffer a bit in the first half but we came back into it in the second half and threw everyone at it.

"It was must win for us if we wanted to get into Europe. We're coming to Anfield and we're disappointed we haven't won. That shows a lot about our season."

On the season overall: "We stabilised and it took a lot of hard work and a lot of tough decisions. We needed to come together, stronger than ever. Everyone has given absolutely everything.

"I'm excited because we'll be better next year."

Bees midfielder Jordan Henderson, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was emotional for everyone. We had a job to do in trying to come here and win the game to try to qualify for Europe.

"Unfortunately, we couldn't get it over the line with the chance at the end. I thought we deserved it this season but football can be cruel. The whole season, the lads have given everyone. It's been a very good season for us.

"Coming back here was emotional for me. The reaction when I went off was incredible - I had goosebumps. It was nice to come back and see the fans. My family is here.

"The away fans were great again today. It was always a tough ask to come here and win. To get so close and not quite get over the line is tough to take. We have to kick on again next year."

Did you know?

• Brentford lost just 13 Premier League games this season; across their nine previous top-flight campaigns, only in 2022-23 did they suffer fewer defeats (nine).

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

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Brentford came close to winning the game in the closing stages but miss out on Europe on goal difference to Brighton, even though the Seagulls lost 3-0 at home to Manchester United.

Both Brentford and Brighton finished on 53 points. The Seagulls finished on plus six, three better than the Bees managed.

There will be disappointment they came so close to following Bournemouth into Europe for the first time.

Yet it will not be forgotten at how well Brentford have performed in Keith Andrews' first season in charge.

Tipped by many for relegation at the start of the campaign, the Bees have plenty to be optimistic about after eye-catching wins over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Brentford agonisingly missed out on European qualification for the first time, drawing 1-1 at Liverpool on Sunday.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you're feeling now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 campaign?

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson both start on what will be their final appearances for Liverpool as Arne Slot makes three changes from the side that lost to Aston Villa.

Liverpool XI:Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Gakpo.

Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Kerkez, Wirtz, Isak, Chiesa, Frimpong, Nyoni.

Brentford XI:Kelleher; Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Henderson, Jensen; Ouattara, Thiago, Schade.

Subs:Valdimarsson, Hickey, Pinnock, Dasilva, Nelson, Ajer, Damsgaard, Donovan, Furo.

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth have already guaranteed at least a top-seven finish, meaning they will either qualify for the Champions League or Europa League.

At present, sixth and seventh will qualify for Uefa's second-tier competition because of Manchester City winning the FA Cup and England winning one of two Elite Performance Spots (EPS).

If English clubs get six Champions League spots, they will lose a Europa League spot in exchange. That would mean only seventh place would qualify for the Europa League.

Brighton are currently seventh and have a one-point advantage over Chelsea and Brentford, the two teams directly below them.

A win for the Seagulls would guarantee them Europa League football at least.

If Brighton fail to win and Chelsea win at Sunderland, the Blues would overtake Albion.

Chelsea can also overtake Brighton with a draw, if Brighton were to lose by two goals and Brentford fail to win at Anfield.

Sunderland themselves could finish in the top seven. For that to happen, they would need Brighton to lose and Brentford to drop points.

What about Conference League qualification?

It is a similar story in qualification for the one place available for the play-off qualifying round of next season's Conference League.

Chelsea are in eighth and currently possess that available spot. Eighth place qualifies for the Conference League because of City winning the EFL Cup and the EPS to an English club.

Chelsea will secure European football in at least the Conference League with a win over Sunderland.

Brentford will secure a top-eight finish if they better Chelsea's result.

Sunderland in 10th would leapfrog both if they beat Chelsea and Brentford drop points.

Will Mohamed Salah get any minutes and the chance to say goodbye to the Liverpool fans after his ridiculous attack on Arne Slot's playing style?

Salah knows the implications of what he has said, about how Liverpool must return to being a "heavy metal attacking team" and he is trying to bury Slot.

People might say Salah is right, but it still leaves a very sour taste. Slot is still in a job, and Liverpool are still trying to secure a top-five finish. Doing this makes life even more difficult for Slot.

It is a tricky enough game anyway - Brentford have had a great season under Keith Andrews and they beat Liverpool in the reverse fixture back in October.

The Bees are still in the mix for the European places and it really wouldn't surprise me if they won this, but Liverpool only need a point to finish fifth, and I think they will get it.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool and Brentford head into the final day with different targets but the same sense of unfinished business. Liverpool have all-but secured a Champions League return but want to end a turbulent season on a positive note, while Brentford still have the chance to turn a solid campaign into something more memorable.

Liverpool looking for a steadier finish

Liverpool's season has rarely settled into a rhythm, and much of the conversation around Anfield this week has centred on Mohamed Salah's comments about the team's identity, sparking debate among supporters and adding to a season already full of scrutiny.

Many saw his remarks as a veiled dig at Arne Slot, and there has even been discussion over whether he should start in what will be his final match for the club — though leaving out such an iconic figure would be a high stakes call given his standing with the fanbase.

On the pitch, consistency has been hard to find. Liverpool have been vulnerable in tight moments and have too often let games slip after working their way back into them.

Yet the final day has traditionally brought results. They haven't lost their last league match since 2014 and are unbeaten in 18 when ending a season at home.

Arne Slot's side remain on course for a top five finish, which would secure Champions League football, and they would even climb into the top four if they win and Aston Villa lose.

At 34, Virgil van Dijk is set to become the oldest outfield player to play every minute of a Premier League season — a rare constant in a turbulent year.

Brentford eyeing a European push

Brentford face a daunting trip to Anfield but travel with confidence and a clear sense of progress.

Keith Andrews' side have lost only twice in their last nine league matches and remain in the mix for a European place — an impressive position for a team that had to rebuild after losing key players and even their manager last summer.

Draws have been their frustration. Last weekend's 2–2 with Crystal Palace was another prime example, and it may yet prove costly in the race for Europe.

However, their 3–2 win over Liverpool earlier in the season offers encouragement, even if their record at Anfield is far less favourable.

The Bees haven't scored there in six successive league visits.

Much of their threat rests on Igor Thiago, who has contributed 41% of their league goals. The Brazilian will again be the focal point as Brentford look to end the season on a high.

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

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It may have been an "unreal" season for the Bees, but with a possible European schedule on the horizon, "the mission is not finished", says Keith Andrews.

Bees captain Nathan Collins told BBC Radio London at Brentford's awards night that the "club is built on stability, good backroom staff and a good base". He added: "It doesn't matter who comes and goes – we know what Brentford are."

Since their promotion in 2021 with Thomas Frank, Brentford have firmly established themselves in the top flight, and they could now become another team to break into European football.

Brentford's underdog story has helped encapsulate their ethos, from fighting for a place in the Premier League to becoming a well-established side in the top flight.

Josh Dasilva, who featured in the Championship for Brentford, said: "I don't think many people would have thought we would be where we are now. The aim is to build on that."

A player who has had an insight into winning trophies and European football is Caoimhin Kelleher.

The ex-Liverpool goalkeeper joined Andrews' ranks in the summer of 2025 and immediately became Brentford's number one.

"When Brentford came up, the move for myself had to be the right club. Soon as you come in, you have a good feel of what a good club it is and how well run it is," said Kelleher.

"Personalities we have in the staff and squad – we want to strive for a lot. We have big ambitions as a group."

George Booth
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Andrews confirmed they are "in a good place" with player fitness: "We've had a good couple of weeks. The end of season feels naturally coming to a close. Injury-wise, it is the same as last week in terms of availability."

• On possibility of qualifying for Europe: "It would make it a remarkable season considering where we started from. To navigate through the season and come out towards the end and to have that potential outcome [European football] is pretty special."

• Asked about Igor Thiago's future at the club, he responded: "I will get badgered for that throughout July and August. I don't think it is right to be discussing that. I think it is right to be discussing what a season he has had and what a summer he is going to have."

• On beating Liverpool 3-2 earlier in the campaign: "It was a big game for us, for sure. To beat the defending champions at that stage of the season was a huge performance and result. You have got to take the blows as the nature of the game on Sunday will be slightly different."

• With Jordan Henderson facing his former side, Andrews said: "He has been very good for us. He has settled into life back in the Premier League when maybe some people doubted he could do that at the age he is. His professionalism is the best I have ever seen in terms of how he prepares for games."

• On learning throughout the season: "The blows, the disappointment, the choppy waters in the first few months of the season, things just settling, the transfer window was difficult. You are constantly learning about that and yourself, how you deal with people, how I speak to you [media] guys and trying to balance that. It is the constant learning. You have got to learn fast."

• On what needs to happen over the summer: "There will probably be a little bit of a plan A and plan B scenario where the league position dictates. In general terms, we try to add the right type of player into the equation that will supplement the squad. Jannik [Schuster] fits that really well. He's had a really good season at [Red Bull] Salzburg. I can see the hunger in him to do well, and I have no doubt that he will prove to be a good signing."

Got a question about Brentford? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

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At the end of the 2024-25 campaign, it may have been hard to imagine that Brentford's record £30m signing would go on to be Brazil's number nine at the 2026 World Cup.

But, after an emphatic goal-scoring season, that's the position Igor Thiago now finds himself in.

Although Thiago arrived at the Gtech Stadium in fine form, having scored 18 goals in 34 Belgian league matches during Bruges' title-winning campaign, the Brazil forward was unable to replicate that in his debut Premier League season.

However, the 24-year-old has proved his worth in his second campaign, notching up 26 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.

Thiago has scored 41% of the Bees' Premier League goals this term (22 out of 54), currently the highest share by a player in a single campaign since Harry Kane in 2022-23 (43% for Spurs – 30 out of 70).

"It has been really special, not only for me but for all of us," Thiago told BBC Radio London.

The Bees' number nine also picked up two personal accolades at Brentford's end-of-season awards night, as he was crowned the supporters' player of the year and players' player of the year.

"It has been an incredible season. It was something we had dreamed at the beginning of the season. We are close to what we always dreamt for this club."

Keith Andrews said Thiago's World Cup call-up was "really special" and that it's a "'wow' thing to say Brazil's number nine is playing for Brentford."

With one game to go in the Bees' season, they will be firmly focused on picking up more points in their bid for European football.

"Liverpool will have their own agenda. We have our own mission that we would like to finish," added Andrews.

Image source, Getty Images

David Rainford has only been in his academy director role at Brentford for a few months but is inheriting a significant remit: to emulate first-team success at youth level.

The Bees famously had a B team, which still exists, instead of an academy.

However, they have since built a more traditional set-up, becoming the fastest club to move from a category four academy to the highest category one status to compete against the biggest sides in England at youth level.

Speaking at the annual Robert Rowan Invitational — a charity match which Brentford lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in front of hundreds of fans at the Gtech Community Stadium — Rainford outlined his vision for the future.

On joining from the Premier League's EPPP programme: "I've been at the Premier League for nearly 10 years and was a big part of shaping the Elite Player Performance Plan — the modern framework that supports the academy system today. I also played with our B-team coach Sam Saunders and against Keith Andrews during my playing career."

Asked why he joined Brentford, Rainford said: "I saw their lofty ambitions to reach category one in record time. That's another example of how this club is unique. When they set their minds to something, they are creative, courageous and bold with their ambitions. For me, that opportunity — to come and lead at such an exciting time — was very attractive. With that infrastructure and support behind us, we can achieve some really positive things moving forward."

On competing with clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal for London's best young players: "People should choose where they feel comfortable. There is always competition, and that's true.

"We also have a uniqueness that can help us become a very productive academy. The young people here will feel seen, and our staff will provide a strong sense of connection."

On how the B team works alongside the under-21s: "Moving into category one status, the B team and under-21s will co-exist. Some games will be B-team fixtures, others under-21 matches, but the key thing is alignment.

"There is alignment and connection throughout the club — the academy matters to everyone. Technical Director Lee Dykes and first-team coach Keith Andrews will be here. We also have former under-21 and youth development coaches on the first-team staff."

On the need to produce homegrown players: "Brentford already has a strong track record of developing players, even if not always through the academy. Many have arrived relatively unknown and gone on to become top-level players, representing England.

"It's a long-term process, but hopefully some of them will be playing at the Gtech in the years to come."

Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Does anyone want to grab that final European spot for next season?

That was what we asked at the end of Sunday's frustrating 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, when once again we stayed in the top eight despite not winning.

Week after week recently we've been dropping points - and in any other season we would surely have slipped into the bottom half of the table by now.

But, incredibly, our rivals to qualify for Europe also keep slipping up and it's still "up for grabs now" at Anfield on Sunday.

Brentford have been in the top eight in the table for all but two weeks since beating Bournemouth 4-1 on 27 December and we were seventh for most of that time.

Only Chelsea of our direct rivals for Europe can boast a similar record but, despite that, our run of one win and seven draws in our past 10 games could ultimately cost us.

I hope people don't see it as failure if we don't qualify for Europe. It would definitely be a missed opportunity, but a top-half Premier League finish for the third time in five seasons, if we do it, would be success.

At least our fate is largely in our own hands - with Chelsea the only problem, as if they beat both Spurs on Tuesday and Sunderland on Sunday they would leapfrog us into the top eight, barring an unlikely goal difference swing.

A Blues slip-up, however, makes the permutation simple - beat Liverpool and we can dust off our passports.

It is easier said than done, though.

The atmosphere should be electric and emotional for Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson's farewells, and I've never seen us score at Anfield in six losing visits - four in the Premier League and two in cups.

With such a big prize at stake, there would be no better time to end that record.

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Brentford and Crystal Palace. Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Neel: On that showing, we are not ready for Europe. I'm incredibly proud of how the season has played out and we need more fight, desire and quality before we progress to bigger things. Today was frankly, "meh"! Well done Bees and let's keep developing.

Nige: Obvious where the Bees need strengthening. We were poor. Second to most second balls by a yard, with no anticipation, as we often are. We concede goals from mistakes, and only really attack in the last 10 minutes - and rarely convert. Glaring misses. We need more up front. Hendo made a difference. Thiago misses too many chances. Three or four better additions and we'll do well next year.

Dave: Worst performance of the season - lethargic- just awful, awful awful.

Giles: A lesson in how to salvage a point while being thoroughly outplayed.

Crystal Palace fans

Les: An entertaining match but from a Palace view, it was two points dropped. Ref missed a blatant penalty call. Worrying injuries are of concern. Overall, Brentford had a fair proportion of the spoils and it could have gone either way.

Steve: Two halves of such contrasting football quality. From dominating in the first half, when Palace played some excellent football, to hanging on after re-taking the lead in the second. Wharton's goal was very welcome after such a long barren period. Palace should have pushed for a third to put the game to bed. Somehow, it seemed inevitable Brentford would equalise. Hopefully Richards and Lacroix are not too badly injured. Just recently, the defence has been leaking far too many goals. We need them fit and on their very best form for the final.

Colin: We clearly had a good game but picked up too many injuries. Focus is on Leipzig.

Al: Another game where we dominate a half and waste chances and then defend too deep and invite the opposition to overwhelm us. Disappointing result, two points dropped. Wharton finally scores, which is as rare as hen's teeth! Riad injury is disappointing. Glasner please rest the squad against Arsenal so they are fit for Leipzig.

Brentford have joined Brighton and Chelsea in showing an interest in Cologne's 19-year-old German winger Said El Mala. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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