'Best Boss & Team in Palace History' - But Will It Be a Special Season?
Guehi's late header clinches Crystal Palace victory over Fulham
With a top-four position, stellar players, and a brilliant manager, Palace are enjoying an unprecedented Premier League era.
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.
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.
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.
"I could mention many players but it was a huge team effort - that makes me very proud, he said. "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.
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'
Glasner's appointment in early 2024, following notable achievements in the Bundesliga, marked a turning point for the club.
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: "This is undoubtedly the greatest manager and squad in the history of Crystal Palace. 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.
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.
His team has lost all league matches played after midweek European fixtures this season, highlighting issues with squad depth and schedule management.
Glasner pointedly stated the club had "squandered" 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
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 reaction to a defeat showed he feels unsupported. The board's actions in the near future will be crucial."
With Guehi's deal running down, intense transfer speculation is inevitable for the international defender.
Creative midfielder Adam Wharton is also the subject of considerable demand from several clubs.
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.
While this is Palace's most glorious period, it is also a fragile one, with the specter of a breakup threatening to derail a magnificent season.