Guehi's late header clinches Crystal Palace victory over Fulham
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.
Marc Guehi's stoppage-time header earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Fulham, moving Palace into the top four.
Their haul of 26 points from the opening 15 matches represents their highest-ever tally at this stage of a Premier League season, marking them as genuine contenders for Europe's premier competition next year.
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.
"It was a monumental team performance, and I'm incredibly proud of every player, Glasner remarked. "Our standing is a direct result of that."
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.
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?
'An Unprecedented Managerial Era'
Oliver Glasner took charge at Palace in February 2024, building on successful tenures at Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt.
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.
European football followed the cup win, and the team also defeated Liverpool to claim the Community Shield, adding more silverware.
A prominent pundit remarked: "The current setup represents the pinnacle of managerial and playing talent the club has ever seen. Those supporters could not have imagined what would happen to their football club when that man arrived."
Selhurst Park has become a formidable fortress, with the team remaining unbeaten there in the league this season until last weekend's defeat.
Their away form, however, might be even more impressive.
From the start of his reign, only a handful of elite clubs have collected more away points than Palace.
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 "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."
Insufficient Depth for a Packed Schedule
The manager's driving ambition is unmistakable.
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.
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. 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's contract also concludes this summer, and interest from top clubs in the England defender is expected to grow.
Creative midfielder Adam Wharton is also the subject of considerable demand from several clubs.
Stars such as Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta will have their own ambitions of reaching the Champions League.
"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.
