Fourth in the Premier League table, showcasing quality across the pitch, and led by a top-tier manager, Crystal Palace is experiencing its best-ever Premier League campaign. Marc Guehi’s late header secured a narrow 2-1 victory against Fulham on Sunday, propelling the Eagles into the Champions League spots.
With 26 points from their first 15 matches, Palace has achieved its highest tally at this stage of a Premier League season, positioning them as serious contenders for a spot in Europe’s elite competition next year. Eddie Nketiah, who scored the opening goal on his 50th appearance for the club, expressed optimism, stating, “the sky is the limit” if the team maintains its current form. Manager Oliver Glasner praised his squad, emphasizing the collective effort, “I could mention many players but it was a huge team effort – that makes me very proud.”
Challenges Behind the Scenes
However, Glasner’s praise follows a week after he openly criticized the club for its lack of summer investment, following a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United. With his contract expiring at the season’s end and uncertainty surrounding key players like Guehi and Adam Wharton, concerns linger at Selhurst Park. The question remains: Can Palace’s owners retain the manager who has brought unprecedented success, and can the team sustain this level to make it a truly special season in South London?
Glasner’s tenure began in February 2024, following successful periods at Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. The 51-year-old has since guided Palace to consecutive record points totals in the Premier League and led them to their first major trophy, triumphing over Manchester City in the FA Cup last season. This success led to their inaugural appearance in a major European competition, albeit in the Europa Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules, and they also defeated league winners Liverpool to claim the Community Shield.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher remarked on Sky Sports, “We are watching the best manager and the best team in Crystal Palace’s history. Those supporters could not have dreamed what would happen to their football club when that man came in.” Selhurst Park has become a formidable venue, with Palace remaining unbeaten there in the league this season until the recent defeat by United. On the road, their performance is arguably even more impressive. Since Glasner’s first match in charge in March 2024, only Arsenal (65), Liverpool (57), and Manchester City (55) have accumulated more Premier League points away from home than Crystal Palace (52).
Yet, the defeat by United prompted Glasner to criticize the club’s lack of reinvestment of the club-record £60 million from Eberechi Eze’s sale. His team has lost all four league matches following midweek European games this season, highlighting issues with squad depth and the challenges of a congested schedule. Glasner candidly noted that the club had “thrown away” the chance for an even better season by not investing in the summer.
Future Prospects and Potential Transfers
It’s evident that Glasner is an ambitious manager, feeling constrained by the squad’s depth. He hopes his comments will spur action in the January transfer window. With his contract expiring in June, the club’s and manager’s ambitions must align swiftly to sustain their current success. Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Sport, “If you’re a director, you’re trying to tie him down. The job he’s done is phenomenal – winning the FA Cup and Charity Shield and getting Palace into Europe. You couldn’t ask for any more.”
Guehi’s contract also ends this season, with Liverpool reportedly interested, especially given their defensive struggles. Prolific playmaker Wharton is attracting attention from several clubs. Meanwhile, players like Ismaila Sarr, currently injured but soon heading to AFCON, and Jean-Philippe Mateta may have aspirations of Champions League football.
Given added, “The squad’s not big enough to rest players, and it puts more strain on the Premier League games. Top six would be an unbelievable season, but big clubs will be trying to do the same.” While this Palace squad might be in their greatest period ever, they are also on the brink of potentially disbanding, with the possibility of a stellar campaign being derailed.
