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

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

With 26 points from their first 15 games, a club best, Palace have firmly entered the conversation for a place in next season's Champions League.

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.

"The pride I feel comes from a colossal collective effort from the entire team," stated the manager. "That's why we are where we are.

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.

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?

'The Best Boss the Club Has Ever Had'

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

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.

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

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

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

From the start of his reign, only a handful of elite clubs have collected more away points than 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 "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.

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

The impending end of his deal means the club must swiftly demonstrate a shared ambition to keep this project on track.

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. He was angry after the United game as he felt he wasn't backed. It will be interesting to see what happens in January and if they back him."

Guehi is another player out of contract soon, and speculation linking him with elite clubs will only intensify.

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.

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.