Crystal Palace returned to Premier League action against Brentford, but a few players were far from their physical best.
Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for the Bees, curling an effort beyond the outstretched hand of Dean Henderson.
Eberechi Eze’s free-kick strike was disallowed by the referee, who blew the whistle for a foul in the build-up – which VAR couldn’t overturn due to the whistle being blown before the ball hit the back of the net.
Palace did eventually draw level through an Ethan Pinnock own goal, but that didn’t last long after Yoanne Wissa’s poke into the back of the net.
It marked a difficult start to the campaign for Crystal Palace, with Oliver Glasner unable to pick up the momentum from the end of last season.
Plenty of the squad were far from their physical best, including Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was brought off at half-time.
Oliver Glasner discusses Jean-Philippe Mateta fitness and injury latest
Mateta was a key player for Crystal Palace last season, bagging 16 Premier League goals in a hot streak in front of goal.
The Frenchman spent the summer competing in the Olympic Games for his nation – securing a silver medal in the process.
Mateta recently returned to training before being thrown straight into the action against Brentford on Sunday.
That return to action only lasted 45 minutes though, with the forward brought off at half-time in favour of Odsonne Edouard.
Amid potential fitness or injury concerns, Glasner shared an update on Mateta after the game, telling the media: “He’s ok but it will take him a little bit to be completely back. It is a different rhythm in the Premier League to the Olympics.”
It means that it may take a little while before the striker is back to his full potential with the Eagles this season.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta decision
The striker will leave Glasner with a key decision to make in the next week over his forward line heading into a clash against West Ham at Selhurst Park.
The Crystal Palace boss also has Edouard at his disposal, who looked lively in his second-half cameo for the side.
It remains to be seen whether the next week will bring about more match sharpness for some of those key players who have been away on international duty.
However, the Eagles will be looking to make a big impact upon their return to their own stadium next weekend.
