Zaha underlines importance to Palace in 1-1 with Brentford

Posted August 30, 2022 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Brentford at Selhurst Park, London, Tuesday Aug. 30, 2022. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) - Wilfried Zaha emphasized his importance to Crystal Palace ahead of deadline day in the transfer market but his team had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Brentford following Yoane Wissa's late equalizer on Tuesday.

Zaha, who is reportedly a target for Chelsea and Arsenal before the transfer window closes on Thursday, looked to have earned Palace the win with a stunning 59th-minute opener when he cut inside from the left and found the far corner from just outside the penalty area.

Brentford snatched a draw against its London rival thanks to unmarked substitute Wissa heading home in the 88th.

The visitors nearly left Selhurst Park with all three points as Rico Henry squandered a golden opportunity in stoppage time before Ben Mee headed against the crossbar.

Michael Olise hit a post for Palace prior to Zaha's goal, while many of Brentford's earlier forays forward were undermined by a lack of cutting edge.

Zaha was back in the spotlight after missing the 4-2 loss at Manchester City on Saturday because of a leg issue. Before kickoff, Palace manager Patrick Vieira was tight-lipped on the future of his star player, saying the Ivory Coast international - whose contract expires next summer - 'Å“didn't mention anything about leaving."

Home fans sang Zaha's name throughout the match.

Brentford moved onto six points, one more than Palace.

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Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha battles with Brentford's Frank Onyeka during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Brentford at Selhurst Park, London, Tuesday Aug. 30, 2022. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) The Associated Press

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