'Best Boss & Team in Palace History' - But Will It Be a Special Season?

Sitting fourth in the standings, boasting quality throughout the squad, and led by an elite manager - Crystal Palace are experiencing their finest Premier League season to date.

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.

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.

After netting the first goal on his milestone 50th appearance, Eddie Nketiah claimed "the sky is the limit" for this in-form side, a sentiment echoed by manager Oliver Glasner's commendation.

"The pride I feel comes from a colossal collective effort from the entire team," stated the manager. "That is the foundation of our current position.

This commendation comes merely days after Glasner voiced strong disapproval over the club's transfer activity in the wake of a loss against Manchester United.

With his contract expiring at season's end and uncertainty surrounding key players like Guehi and Adam Wharton, underlying concerns persist at Selhurst Park.

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

'The Best Boss the Club Has Ever Had'

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.

This success opened the door to European football and was complemented by a Community Shield win against the league champions.

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."

Their home form has been exceptionally strong, making it a daunting venue for visiting teams.

On their travels, the team's performances have arguably been superior.

In the period since he took over, Palace's away point tally is among the very best in the division.

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 "missed" 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."

'Squad Not Big Enough' to Handle the Demands

It is evident that Glasner is a manager with significant ambition.

He evidently feels the squad's size is a constraint, and his public remarks could be a catalyst for winter signings.

The impending end of his deal means the club must swiftly demonstrate a shared ambition to keep this project on track.

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 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.

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

"The squad's not big enough to rotate players, and it strains the league games. A top-six finish would be incredible, but other big clubs are chasing the same goal," 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.