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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.

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.

"The pride I feel comes from a colossal collective effort from the entire team," he said. "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.

Will the club's hierarchy manage to keep hold of the transformative manager? Furthermore, is this squad capable of maintaining its form to create a legendary campaign?

'Greatest Manager in Palace History'

Arriving in February 2024 after impressive spells in Germany, Oliver Glasner has transformed Crystal Palace.

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.

European football followed the cup win, and the team also defeated Liverpool to claim the Community Shield, adding more silverware.

A prominent pundit remarked: "We are witnessing the finest manager and the best team in Crystal Palace's history. The transformation since his arrival has surpassed all fan expectations."

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

When playing away from home, their record is perhaps even more noteworthy.

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 "wasted" the opportunity for an even better season by not spending. A pundit noted: "He is forthright in his criticism after poor results... The board likely has to tolerate it given his monumental status at the club."

Roster Size a Concern Amidst Busy Fixture List

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.

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: "His contractual status is a key issue... Securing his signature is paramount given the phenomenal work he has done. 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.

Meanwhile, other key players like Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta will undoubtedly aspire to play in the Champions League.

"Insufficient depth prevents rotation and adds pressure in the league. A top-six finish, while amazing, is a fiercely contested target," the pundit added.

The team is simultaneously at its historic peak and on the verge of dispersal, which could jeopardize an otherwise spectacular year.