Late Guehi goal seals Palace win against Fulham
Fourth place, a talented squad, and a top-class boss - this is Crystal Palace's most impressive Premier League campaign ever.
Sunday's 2-1 triumph at Fulham, sealed by Marc Guehi's late goal, lifted Crystal Palace into the coveted Champions League places.
With 26 points from their first 15 games, a club best, Palace have firmly entered the conversation for a place in next season's Champions League.
Eddie Nketiah, who scored the opener at Craven Cottage on his 50th club appearance, stated that "the sky is the limit" if the team maintains this excellent form, while manager Oliver Glasner was effusive in his praise.
"The pride I feel comes from a colossal collective effort from the entire team," he said. "That's why we are where we are.
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.
Amidst the manager's impending contract expiry and doubts over the futures of stars like Guehi and Adam Wharton, worries linger behind the scenes.
Will the club's hierarchy manage to keep hold of the transformative manager? Furthermore, is this squad capable of maintaining its form to create a legendary campaign?
'The Best Boss the Club Has Ever Had'
Glasner's appointment in early 2024, following notable achievements in the Bundesliga, marked a turning point for the club.
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.
This success opened the door to European football and was complemented by a Community Shield win against the league champions.
A prominent pundit remarked: "This is undoubtedly the greatest manager and squad in the history of Crystal Palace. Those supporters could not have imagined what would happen to their football club when that man arrived."
Their home form has been exceptionally strong, making it a daunting venue for visiting teams.
Their away form, however, might be even more impressive.
Since Glasner's first match in March 2024, only Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City have accrued more Premier League points on the road than Crystal Palace.
The manager did not hesitate to express his disappointment with the club's transfer strategy after a key player was sold.
Defeats after European commitments have exposed the limitations of a squad stretched by competing on multiple fronts.
Glasner pointedly stated the club had "wasted" the opportunity for an even better season by not spending. A pundit noted: "His candid nature after setbacks is something the hierarchy must endure, considering his unparalleled success with the team."
'Squad Not Big Enough' to Handle the Demands
It is evident that Glasner is a manager with significant ambition.
His frustration with the thin roster is clear, and his words may be a strategic push for reinforcements in January.
His contract situation adds urgency, requiring the club's project to match his own to ensure continuity.
A former professional goalkeeper commented: "There's a major discussion around Glasner's contract... If you're a director you're trying to tie him down. The job he's done is phenomenal. His post-match anger stemmed from a feeling of not being supported. The coming transfer window will be very revealing."
Guehi's contract also concludes this summer, and interest from top clubs in the England defender is expected to grow.
Playmaker Adam Wharton is similarly a man in high demand across the league.
Meanwhile, other key players like Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta will undoubtedly aspire to play in the Champions League.
"Insufficient depth prevents rotation and adds pressure in the league. A top-six finish, while amazing, is a fiercely contested target," 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.