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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.

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.

"It was a monumental team performance, and I'm incredibly proud of every player, he said. "Our standing is a direct result of that."

This commendation comes merely days after Glasner voiced strong disapproval over the club's transfer activity in the wake of a loss against 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.

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'

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.

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

A prominent pundit remarked: "The current setup represents the pinnacle of managerial and playing talent the club has ever seen. Those supporters could not have imagined what would happen to their football club when that man arrived."

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.

The manager did not hesitate to express his disappointment with the club's transfer strategy after a key player was sold.

Defeats after European commitments have exposed the limitations of a squad stretched by competing on multiple fronts.

Glasner pointedly stated the club had "squandered" 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."

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: "The contract talk is a huge topic... The board should be desperate to secure his future. His achievements have been extraordinary. 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.

Playmaker Adam Wharton is similarly a man in high demand across the league.

Stars such as Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta will have their own ambitions of reaching 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.