🔗 Share this article

Fourth place, a talented squad, and a top-class boss - this is Crystal Palace's most impressive Premier League campaign ever.

A late header from Marc Guehi secured a narrow 2-1 away win at Fulham on Sunday, propelling the Eagles into the Champions League positions.

Their haul of 26 points from the opening 15 matches represents their highest-ever tally at this stage of a Premier League season, marking them as genuine contenders for Europe's premier competition next year.

Opening the scoring in his 50th game, Eddie Nketiah spoke of limitless potential, with manager Oliver Glasner also quick to applaud his squad's efforts.

"It was a monumental team performance, and I'm incredibly proud of every player, he said. "Our standing is a direct result of that."

Yet, this praise follows closely on the heels of Glasner's frank critique of the club's lack of summer spending after a defeat to Manchester United.

The manager's deal is up in June, and the potential departures of vital figures such as Guehi and Wharton create a backdrop of apprehension.

The pressing questions are whether the board can secure the manager's future and if the squad can continue this run to make history.

'An Unprecedented Managerial Era'

Arriving in February 2024 after impressive spells in Germany, Oliver Glasner has transformed Crystal Palace.

The 51-year-old has since guided the club to consecutive record Premier League points totals and delivered a first major trophy with an FA Cup victory over Manchester City last season.

That cup win led to a debut in European competition—albeit in the Europa Conference League due to regulations—and was followed by a Community Shield victory over champions Liverpool.

A prominent pundit remarked: "The current setup represents the pinnacle of managerial and playing talent the club has ever seen. Fans could never have dreamed of such success before his appointment."

The home ground had been an impenetrable stronghold this league season until a recent loss ended that run.

When playing away from home, their record is perhaps even more noteworthy.

From the start of his reign, only a handful of elite clubs have collected more away points than Palace.

However, a recent defeat led to pointed comments from the manager regarding a lack of squad investment following a big-money departure.

Every league game following a European match this term has ended in defeat, underscoring problems with roster size and fixture congestion.

Glasner pointedly stated the club had "squandered" the opportunity for an even better season by not spending. A pundit noted: "He is forthright in his criticism after poor results... The board likely has to tolerate it given his monumental status at the club."

Roster Size a Concern Amidst Busy Fixture List

Clearly, Glasner possesses a deeply ambitious vision for the club.

His frustration with the thin roster is clear, and his words may be a strategic push for reinforcements in January.

With Glasner's contract set to expire in June, the club's ambitions must quickly align with the manager's if the current success is to be prolonged.

A former professional goalkeeper commented: "His contractual status is a key issue... Securing his signature is paramount given the phenomenal work he has done. His reaction to a defeat showed he feels unsupported. The board's actions in the near future will be crucial."

Guehi's contract also concludes this summer, and interest from top clubs in the England defender is expected to grow.

The talented Adam Wharton is attracting significant attention from numerous suitors.

Important squad members will also be dreaming of competing at the highest European level.

"The lack of size in the squad hampers rest and recovery. Achieving a European place would be fantastic, but the competition is fierce," the pundit added.

This Palace squad may be in its golden age, but it also stands on the precipice of potential breakup, with the risk that a stellar campaign could be undermined.