Keith Andrews admitted that **Brentford**“weren’t at our absolute best” in a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
After a summer of significant exits, the Bees have proven the doubters wrong with three ‘Big Six’ scalps at the Gtech Community Stadium this season. First, they earned a 2-2 draw against **Chelsea**in injury time before beating **Man United**3-1 and defeating reigning Premier League champions **Liverpool**3-2 last weekend.
On the other hand, their form on the road has been a lot more ropey. The team have only won once in their five away league fixtures this season. This all-London affair produced another defeat for the Bees at Selhurst Park as Andrews’ men were beaten at their own game by a streetwise opponent.
Jean-Philippe Mateta converted from close range after a free kick from Yeremy Pino. In the second half, Jefferson Lerma launched a long throw-in into the penalty area, and Nathan Collins conceded an own goal. **Brentford**were not able to carry on the momentum from their victory on the previous weekend, but Andrews is not about to start worrying about what his players can achieve this year.
"If we're really honest, we weren't at our absolute best. This match was always going to be niggly, tight and edgy. Some of our quality wasn't what it has been over the last few weeks.
"It was a game of very few chances - and they edged it. My players aren't robots, they will make mistakes. There were elements of the first half that I wasn't bowled over with.
"The players have been outstanding over the last few weeks. They tried to break them down but just didn't have that little bit of magic.
"We'll analyse it like we do any game. We are very understanding of where we are and the steps we need to take as a group."