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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.

Sunday's 2-1 triumph at Fulham, sealed by Marc Guehi's late goal, lifted Crystal Palace into the coveted Champions League places.

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.

"The pride I feel comes from a colossal collective effort from the entire team," stated the manager. "Our standing is a direct result of that."

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'

Glasner's appointment in early 2024, following notable achievements in the Bundesliga, marked a turning point for the club.

Under his leadership, the team has broken its Premier League points record twice and clinched a historic first major trophy by winning the FA Cup.

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. Those supporters could not have imagined what would happen to their football club when that man arrived."

Their home form has been exceptionally strong, making it a daunting venue for visiting teams.

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.

However, a recent defeat led to pointed comments from the manager regarding a lack of squad investment following a big-money departure.

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 "missed" the opportunity for an even better season by not spending. A pundit noted: "When he gets a result he doesn't like, he is not shy in being outspoken... They probably have to accept it because he is the greatest manager in their history."

'Squad Not Big Enough' to Handle the Demands

Clearly, Glasner possesses a deeply ambitious vision for the club.

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: "The contract talk is a huge topic... The board should be desperate to secure his future. His achievements have been extraordinary. His post-match anger stemmed from a feeling of not being supported. The coming transfer window will be very revealing."

Guehi's contract also concludes this summer, and interest from top clubs in the England defender is expected to grow.

The talented Adam Wharton is attracting significant attention from numerous suitors.

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.

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.