Ben Chilwell sends two-word message to Tyrick Mitchell amid Crystal Palace uncertainty
Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win against Manchester City has raised questions over the futures of Tyrick Mitchell and Ben Chilwell.
Mitchell played the full 90 minutes as part of a Palace side which made history at Wembley, to beat Man City 1-0 and win the first piece of major silverware in the entire 119-year history of the Selhurst Park club.
Eberechi Eze‘s 16th-minute strike made the difference for the Eagles after a fast break down the right-hand side from Daniel Munoz, who set up Palace’s winner with their very first venture into the City box.
Palace’s other wing-back Mitchell was bailed out at the other end by Dean Henderson, as the England goalkeeper saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty after Mitchell was penalised for a lunge on Bernardo Silva.
Mitchell message sent by Chilwell as Crystal Palace make history
Chilwell arrived at Selhurst Park in January on a loan deal for the rest of the season from Chelsea, but his impact has been limited with the England left-back unable to displace Mitchell in Oliver Glasner‘s team.
Left on the bench for the entirety of Saturday’s cup final despite fellow defender Marc Guehi being forced off with concussion at the hour mark, Chilwell was still an active member of Palace’s celebrations.
Amid these celebrations, the Chelsea loanee posted an image on his Instagram story (19 May) alongside Mitchell, in which he called the twice-capped England international: “My brother”
Oliver Glasner to target left-back upgrade at Crystal Palace
FA Cup success and the Europa League place which comes with it will give Palace plenty of impetus to attack the transfer market next summer, as well as a boost to keep hold of their best players like Eze.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Football Insider that Tottenham won’t be “in the conversation” for Eze this summer, and Glasner will be in no mood to let his number 10 leave the club.
The Austrian will be in no doubt that additions are needed for Palace to succeed on a domestic and European front next season, particularly at left-back after the bit-part role Chilwell has played.
A return to the England setup under Thomas Tuchel looks a long way off after Chilwell’s lack of minutes at both Chelsea and Palace this season, and it remains to be seen which other areas Glasner targets.