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With a top-four position, stellar players, and a brilliant manager, Palace are enjoying an unprecedented Premier League era.

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.

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, stated the manager. "That is the foundation of our current position.

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.

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

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

'Greatest Manager in Palace History'

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

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. The transformation since his arrival has surpassed all fan expectations."

Selhurst Park has become a formidable fortress, with the team remaining unbeaten there in the league this season until last weekend's defeat.

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

It is evident that Glasner is a manager with significant ambition.

He evidently feels the squad's size is a constraint, and his public remarks could be a catalyst for winter signings.

His contract situation adds urgency, requiring the club's project to match his own to ensure continuity.

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.

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