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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.

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.

After netting the first goal on his milestone 50th appearance, Eddie Nketiah claimed "the sky is the limit" for this in-form side, a sentiment echoed by manager Oliver Glasner's commendation.

"I could mention many players but it was a huge team effort - that makes me very proud, Glasner remarked. "That is the foundation of our current position.

However, this acclaim arrives just one week after Glasner publicly criticized the club for insufficient summer investment following a 2-1 home loss to Manchester United.

Amidst the manager's impending contract expiry and doubts over the futures of stars like Guehi and Adam Wharton, worries linger behind the scenes.

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?

'The Best Boss the Club Has Ever Had'

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.

This success opened the door to European football and was complemented by a Community Shield win against the league champions.

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

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

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.

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

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 "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."

'Squad Not Big Enough' to Handle the Demands

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.

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.

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 lack of size in the squad hampers rest and recovery. Achieving a European place would be fantastic, but the competition is fierce," 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.