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.
Accumulating 26 points from 15 games is a club record for this point in a Premier League campaign, establishing them as serious candidates for Champions League football.
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.
"I could mention many players but it was a huge team effort - that makes me very proud, stated the manager. "That's why we are where we are.
However, this acclaim arrives just one week after Glasner publicly criticized the club for insufficient summer investment following a 2-1 home loss 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.
Can Palace's ownership retain the manager responsible for this success? And can the team sustain this high level to genuinely craft a memorable season in south London?
'The Best Boss the Club Has Ever Had'
Oliver Glasner took charge at Palace in February 2024, building on successful tenures at Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt.
His tenure has seen record-breaking league points hauls and the landmark achievement of an FA Cup triumph.
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. The transformation since his arrival has surpassed all fan expectations."
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.
In the period since he took over, Palace's away point tally is among the very best in the division.
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 "missed" 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."
Roster Size a Concern Amidst Busy Fixture List
Clearly, Glasner possesses a deeply ambitious vision for the club.
It also seems apparent that he believes a lack of squad depth is restricting progress, and his comments may be intended to prompt activity in the January transfer window.
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. He was angry after the United game as he felt he wasn't backed. It will be interesting to see what happens in January and if they back him."
Guehi is another player out of contract soon, and speculation linking him with elite clubs will only intensify.
Creative midfielder Adam Wharton is also the subject of considerable demand from several clubs.
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.
The team is simultaneously at its historic peak and on the verge of dispersal, which could jeopardize an otherwise spectacular year.
