Brentford failed to move to within one point of Chelsea after surrendering a two goal lead in a 2 2 draw with Wolves at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The home side looked on course for another important win in their push toward the European spots, but Wolves recovered strongly and left with a point that few would have expected after the first half.
Brentford took control before Wolves found a way back
Keith Andrews’ team began with the same energy that has driven their rise this season and quickly put Wolves under pressure. Their strong start paid off when Michael Kayode got on the end of the ball with a firm header to open the scoring.
Brentford then doubled their lead through Igor Thiago, who marked his first Brazil call up with a simple finish into an empty net after sharp work from Dango Ouattara. At that stage, the hosts looked fully in command and appeared ready to cut the gap to Chelsea.
Wolves, however, found a route back before the break. Adam Armstrong scored with a fine finish, although the goal sparked debate after the move began with a pass back toward goalkeeper Jose Sa. Brentford felt the play should have been stopped, but the goal stood and changed the mood of the contest.
Controversial moment shifts the game
The main talking point came in the build up to Wolves’ first goal. Ladislav Krejci played the ball back toward Sa, who picked it up before starting the move that eventually ended with Armstrong scoring.
There was discussion over whether Ouattara had made contact with the ball while challenging Krejci, but the officials did not step in. According to PGMOL, the incident was not judged to be part of the same attacking phase because possession had briefly shifted before Wolves created the chance.
That decision frustrated Brentford and gave Wolves fresh belief. It also handed the visitors momentum going into the second half.
Late fightback leaves Brentford frustrated
Wolves made the most of that lift after the restart. Armstrong had already hit the post before substitute Tolu Arokodare drew his side level just four minutes after coming on. He nearly completed the turnaround moments later, only to see his header come back off the crossbar.
Brentford still had an opening to win it late on, but Reiss Nelson failed to take a clear chance. Instead of ending the night just one point behind Chelsea, the Bees remain three points back.
For Wolves, the comeback could prove important at the bottom of the table. They are still last, but the draw cuts the gap to 19th placed Burnley to three points.
Managers react after dramatic finish
Brentford manager Keith Andrews made it clear that he believed Wolves’ first goal should not have counted. Speaking after the match, he said the repeated questions about the incident probably told their own story, while adding that his team still had other parts of the performance they needed to examine.
Thierry Henry also questioned the decision, saying the situation looked like a back pass despite the slight touch from Ouattara.
Wolves boss Rob Edwards took a different view of the turning point. He said the goal just before half time helped keep his team’s plan in place and gave them confidence. In his view, Wolves had already been playing well, and their second half display showed they made the right adjustments.
