Brentford secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at G-tech Community Stadium.
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa led the Bees to a strong start despite limited involvement from Jordan Ayew.
The match was evenly poised at 1-1 until Wissa struck six minutes after Ayew’s substitution, providing the decisive goal that followed Mbeumo’s opener.
This victory ended Crystal Palace’s seven-game unbeaten run from last season and marked Brentford’s first-ever Premier League win against their London rivals, achieved on their seventh attempt.
Crystal Palace, despite their efforts, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Even when they were given a chance to take the lead with Ethan Pinnock’s accidental own goal in the 56th minute, they couldn’t capitalize on it.
The Eagles’ attack lacked sharpness, with Jean-Philippe Mateta appearing tired after participating in the Olympic Games final with France.
Meanwhile, former Palace player Michael Olise, now with Bayern Munich, was missed in the final third.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner made changes after the break, substituting Odsonne Edouard for Mateta and bringing Ayew on for Daichi Kamada.
However, the substitutions failed to alter the outcome, as Wissa’s goal secured all three points for Brentford.
Ayew, who has been linked with a move to Leicester City, entered the game as a second-half substitute but struggled to make an impact. His performance in this match could potentially influence his future with Crystal Palace or any potential move to Leicester City.
At 32, Ayew’s role under Glasner has diminished. He had previously started two of five games this season, playing 158 minutes out of a possible 450. The reasons for this reduction in playing time could be due to tactical changes, team dynamics, or Ayew’s form and fitness.
This starkly contrasts his role under Glasner’s predecessor, where he had started every game and contributed a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Burnley.
Ayew’s game time has been notably limited, and his recent pre-season performances suggest he may have fallen out of favour with Glasner. This situation is a cause for concern for Ayew’s fans and supporters.
Despite a productive previous Premier League season, expectations for Ayew to play a prominent role this term have yet to materialize.
With the transfer window closing on August 31, Ayew still has the opportunity to reassess his future as he contemplates his current standing.
