Eriksen can be Brentford’s Zlatan
BReNtfoRD are in a slump, have slid slowly down the table this season and for many a promoted side the direction of travel would be ominous at this stage. But there is no need for alarm bells. Not with the hope you could sense in the stands during this bore draw against Crystal Palace. Behind thomas frank on the bench for an hour was talented playmaker Josh Dasilva, who continued his bid for full fitness after a serious hip injury with another cameo appearance. Unable to help was the injured top scorer Ivan toney, who may be fit to face arsenal on Saturday. Biggest of all was the presence of new signing Christian eriksen, who was likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic by frank’s Swedish defender Pontus Jansson but assured he will have fewer ‘s***’ players around him at Brentford. Brentford’s early-season energy, enjoyment and exuberance has ‘been lost a little bit’ frank accepted, with injuries a factor. they have now gone seven games without a win. eriksen’s arrival and the feelgood factor it brings following his incredible recovery after a cardiac arrest could be transformative. Jansson said: ‘from the day he came in, it was with an aura — not of a superstar, but of somebody who has been playing for the best teams in the world. ‘I have played with players like him before, like Zlatan in the international team. they have something. You see that when they have the ball at their feet. ‘Christian is different to Zlatan, though. When I played with him, he was the main man — the superstar. With Zlatan it was him and 10 s*** players in the national team! Christian is aware he has good players around him. of course, Christian is the best player in our squad but we are not far away from him. It is a massive boost and I cannot wait for him to get on the pitch with us.’ BRENTFORD (3-5-2): Raya 6; Ajer 7, Jansson 7, Pinnock 7.5; Canos 6 (Baptiste 86min), Janelt 6.5 (Dasilva 61, 6), Norgaard 7, Jensen 7.5, Henry 7; Mbeumo 7, Wissa 6 (Ghoddos 82). Booked: Canos. Manager: Thomas Frank 6. CRYSTAL PALACE (4-3-3): Guaita 6; Ward 7, Andersen 7.5, Guehi 7, MITCHELL 8; Gallagher 6.5, Hughes 7 (McArthur 66, 6), Schlupp 7; Ayew 6 (Olise 77), Edouard 6 (Mateta 72, 6), Zaha 6. Booked: None. Manager: Patrick Vieira 6. Referee: Simon Hooper 6. Attendance: 16,958.