Richards' Battle

Defender Suffered Possible Head Injury in Shutout Win Over Wolves

It was a week of mixed emotions for Chris Richards. The American center-back had helped Crystal Palace earn a workable 1-1 draw at Zrinjski Mostar in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, before playing a full 90 minutes—including the final stretch with a bandaged head following a collision—as Palace edged Wolves 1-0 on Sunday to offer some much-needed relief at Selhurst Park.

The Mostar result left Richards with complicated feelings. Speaking afterward, he acknowledged the draw offered something to build on for the home leg, while also recognizing Palace hadn't quite done enough. "We're a little bit disappointed with the result, but also a 1-1 is also something you can take into the next leg with a lot of optimism," he said. The American was candid about defensive lapses and a failure to convert chances, though he remained focused on the opportunity at home ahead.

Three days later came a tougher test than the final scoreline suggests. Wolves arrived at Selhurst Park in decent form and gave Palace genuine problems throughout the first half, with Richards involved in one nervy moment when a mix-up between him and Dean Henderson nearly gifted Adam Armstrong a tap-in. The American recovered, though, and finished the match having made five headed clearances and an interception across 90 minutes. It was solid, if unspectacular, work that contributed to a vital shutout.

He also showed his toughness, seeing out the final 10 minutes with a bandage wrapped around his head after taking a knock in a collision during the match. The clean sheet was Palace's to cherish, sealed by Evann Guessand's 90th-minute winner. With the Conference League second leg and continued Premier League survival concerns ahead, Richards' durability and defensive steadiness will remain important for a Palace side still finding its footing.