Analysis: Ouattara delivers another decisive display | OneFootball

Dango Ouattara’s brace against Crystal Palace took him to double figures for goal involvements in his first season in a Brentford shirt - as the forward delivered another decisive display.

Only seven teams have three or more players involved in 10+ goals during the 2025/26 campaign so far, and Brentford rank among them thanks to Ouattara’s double on Sunday.

Alongside Igor Thiago (22 goals, 1 assist) and Kevin Schade (7 goals, 3 assists), Ouattara has formed part of a productive frontline for the Bees - the Burkina Faso international contributing seven goals and three assists in the top flight.

Notably, that number excludes the five penalties he has won, which is still the highest number of any player in Europe's top five leagues.

Keith Andrews’ side twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against the Eagles and keep their European hopes alive heading into the final day of the Premier League season.

An away trip to Anfield awaits, while the draw with Palace means Brentford lost just three league games at home all season (against Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Brighton).

After falling behind to Ismaïla Sarr’s early penalty, Ouattara levelled before the break when he fortuitously deflected Jaydee Canvot’s attempted clearance beyond Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Adam Wharton’s long-range effort restored Palace’s lead, but Ouattara struck again late on, rising at the far post to head home an 88th-minute equaliser after Sepp van den Berg had flicked on a trademark Michael Kayode long throw.

Ouattara has added energy and incision to the Bees’ attack this season, and he collected Playmaker’s man-of-the-match award for a fourth time - only Thiago (5) has claimed more.

A constant outlet, the 24-year-old registered more shots (5) and shots on target (3) than any other player on display in TW8, while only his captain Nathan Collins (7) won more aerial duels (5).

Collins afterwards said his side had "thrown the kitchen sink at it" in the closing stages, and the Bees have developed a valuable habit of striking late.

Only Liverpool (20) have scored more Premier League goals than Brentford (19) after the 75th minute this season, a reflection of the resilience and belief instilled by their head coach Andrews.

Three of Ouattara’s goals have arrived late in games, to underline his knack for decisive contributions. After match-winning strikes against Aston Villa (twice) and Newcastle United - in addition to his equaliser on Sunday - the former Bournemouth forward has directly earned Brentford seven Premier League points this season.

Although Chelsea could push Brentford down to ninth tomorrow night, the Bees head to Anfield next weekend with a European place within reach - a remarkable position for a side many tipped for the drop.