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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.

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.

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," 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.

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'

Glasner's appointment in early 2024, following notable achievements in the Bundesliga, marked a turning point for the club.

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. Those supporters could not have imagined what would happen to their football club when that man arrived."

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

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.

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: "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

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.

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 reaction to a defeat showed he feels unsupported. The board's actions in the near future will be crucial."

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.

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

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