Brentford Defeats Crystal Palace 2-1 in Opener

Brentford kicked off their Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, despite star striker Ivan Toney being left out of the squad amid transfer speculation. Bryan Mbuemo opened the scoring for Brentford shortly after a disallowed goal for Palace, but an own goal by Ethan Pinnock leveled the match in the second half. Yoane Wissa secured the win with a close-range goal in the 76th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from Palace's goalkeeper. The match showcased Brentford's resilience and ability to thrive without Toney, as they continued their strong start to the season. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace struggled to convert chances, reflecting ongoing issues with their squad. This victory marks Brentford's first league win over Palace since 1963, highlighting their progress in the top flight.