Crystal Palace are making an unexpected appearance in the FA Cup final, presenting them with a chance to defeat Manchester City and claim their first major trophy since winning the English second division back in the 1993-94 season. At the start of the current season, they were considered a potential dark horse team with a slim chance of qualifying for European football. However, after a slow initial phase under manager Oliver Glasner, those European aspirations seemed to fade until an improbable cup run brought them unexpectedly close to securing a spot in Europe, despite their position in 12th place in the Premier League table.
A victory would guarantee Palace a place in the Europa League. Should they achieve this, one key player will be Chris Richards. Similar to the team`s start, the American defender had a challenging beginning to the season, needing to compete fiercely for his position in the starting lineup following the recruitment of two new center-backs in the summer. The recall of Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell back to Chelsea created an opening that allowed Richards to become a regular starter in Glasner`s system utilizing a back three, and he has maintained his place ever since.
Richards has significantly enhanced his game this season. He has developed an offensive threat from set pieces, contributing a goal and an assist across all competitions. He effectively utilizes his pace to link up with defensive partners like Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix. As he matures and moves into his prime, Richards is combining his natural talent with valuable match experience, improving his positional sense and using his speed and aerial ability effectively to manage opposition forwards.
Facing Manchester City`s formidable attack, including players like Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush, will pose a substantial challenge for Richards and the entire defense. However, their successful progression through previous rounds, overcoming teams like Aston Villa, Fulham, and Millwall, indicates their preparedness for difficult tests. This Crystal Palace squad possesses talent, and with players such as Eberechi Eze gaining experience on the international stage, they are unlikely to be overawed by playing at Wembley. While they are definite underdogs against City, Pep Guardiola`s side has demonstrated a susceptibility to unexpected defeats this season, and in a one-off final, any outcome is possible.
The final also represents a significant opportunity for Chris Richards to become the latest American player to lift a major trophy while playing for a Premier League club. Although numerous Americans have featured in the Premier League over the years, the list of those who have won silverware while doing so is relatively exclusive.
Technically, the last American to achieve this was Zack Steffen, who made appearances for Manchester City when they won the Premier League titles in 2021-22. Despite the short list of major trophy winners, there is a notable history of success for American players in the Premier League era, including goalkeepers who were key players for their sides and a few outfielders. It`s worth noting that John Harkes did win the League Cup with Sheffield Wednesday, but this accomplishment occurred when the club was playing in the second division, not the top flight.
Americans to Win Trophies with Premier League Teams
| Name | Club | Honors | Number of trophies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Steffen | Manchester City | Premier League (2020-21, 2021-22) | 2 |
| Brad Friedel | Blackburn Rovers | EFL Cup (2001-02) | 1 |
| Tim Howard | Manchester United | FA Cup (2003-04), EFL Cup (2005-06) | 2 |
| Christian Pulisic | Chelsea | Champions League (2021-22), UEFA Super Cup (2021), Club World Cup (2021) | 3 |
FA Cup Final Details and Odds
- Date: Saturday, May 17
- Location: Wembley Stadium — London
- Odds: Crystal Palace +320; Draw +270; Manchester City -130
