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Fourth place, a talented squad, and a top-class boss - this is Crystal Palace's most impressive Premier League campaign ever.

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.

"I could mention many players but it was a huge team effort - that makes me very proud, he said. "That's why we are where we are.

Yet, this praise follows closely on the heels of Glasner's frank critique of the club's lack of summer spending after a defeat 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?

'An Unprecedented Managerial Era'

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: "This is undoubtedly the greatest manager and squad in the history of Crystal Palace. 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.

Their away form, however, might be even more impressive.

Since Glasner's first match in March 2024, only Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City have accrued more Premier League points on the road than Crystal Palace.

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: "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.

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: "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 post-match anger stemmed from a feeling of not being supported. The coming transfer window will be very revealing."

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.

"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.