For the first time in club history, Crystal Palace completed a league double over Manchester United with American defender Chris Richards getting in on the fun.
Richards registered one assist and played 90 minutes as the Eagles demolished the Red Devils 4-0 at Selhurst Park. The U.S. men’s national team centerback helped Oliver Glasner’s squad to their largest shutout victory of the campaign.
After Michael Olise opened the scoring in the 12th minute, Richards’ upfield pass allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta the opportunity to double the Eagles’ lead before halftime. Mateta danced his way into the Manchester United box before unleashing a missile past Andre Onana and into the back of the net.
It marked Richards first Premier League assist.
Tyrick Mitchell extended Crystal Palace’s lead to 3-0 in the 58th minute before Elise capped off his brace eight minutes later for a 4-0 advantage.
Richards won all four of his duels, made two interceptions, and six recoveries as the Eagles jumped to 14th place in the league table.
Final victories over Wolves and Aston Villa paired with results elsewhere could see the Eagles finish in the top-half of the Premier League standings. Richards, who will be seeking USMNT involvement this summer, will be hoping for a strong conclusion to his second season in South London.
Hoover City!! The weight room work is paying off. Was impressed during the recent NL league. Look at his ‘20-‘21 frame/size compared to now. I c it, upper body mass significantly increased. Less punishment on your legs if your core, shoulders and chest are working together. He’s a center back, by the center back, and for the center back, so help me center back.
Funny how his aerial duals have improved along with that added mass.
TBF everyone shines against MU.
Playing on a team that demolishes Manchester United and going full 90 on top of that, speaks volume on how much Oliver Glasner believes in Richards. Awesome kid…….absolutely awesome
We’ll see what happens if Guehi who made his return in the second half is fit to start this weekend.
I don’t see how you take Richards out of the lineup after how consistently well he’s played, but more importantly I don’t think they change from a back 3 after the number of wins they’ve racked up as of late. It has to be a back 3 of Andersen, Guehi and Richards
Ronniet: you would think, but Richards gained his starting DM spot after an injury and moved to CB after an injury. Stranger things have happened than a manager going with a veteran like Clyne and putting Richards back to the bench.
With a strong Copa I do think Richards will be looked at by bigger European teams this summer. Just so happens AC Milan will need CB help. That defense is leaking goals.
Palace are likely to finally sell Guehi this summer and there was a lot of interest in Andersen in January. If Glasner wants to continue using a 3 CB system he can’t sell all three and Richards demands the smallest pay day.
Man United was probably watching yesterday’s game and wishing they had Richards.
I guess Richards looked good yesterday, but he really didn’t have much to do, that’s how poor Man U was.