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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.

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.

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.

Eddie Nketiah, who scored the opener at Craven Cottage on his 50th club appearance, stated that "the sky is the limit" if the team maintains this excellent form, while manager Oliver Glasner was effusive in his praise.

"It was a monumental team performance, and I'm incredibly proud of every player, stated the manager. "That's why we are where we are.

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.

The pressing questions are whether the board can secure the manager's future and if the squad can continue this run to make history.

'The Best Boss the Club Has Ever Had'

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.

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. Fans could never have dreamed of such success before his appointment."

The home ground had been an impenetrable stronghold this league season until a recent loss ended that run.

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

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.

Every league game following a European match this term has ended in defeat, underscoring problems with roster size and fixture congestion.

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."

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.

With Glasner's contract set to expire in June, the club's ambitions must quickly align with the manager's if the current success is to be prolonged.

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."

With Guehi's deal running down, intense transfer speculation is inevitable for the international defender.

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.

"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.