This week brought some much-needed optimism for Crystal Palace fans, with news that Oliver Glasner is focused on the club’s long-term development. While apprehension remains regarding his contract, which expires next summer, there’s hope that this is the beginning of something significant.
Glasner’s team has consistently performed beyond expectations. This Saturday, they will challenge Liverpool while riding a remarkable 17-game unbeaten streak, during which the previously trophyless squad has secured victories in the FA Cup and Community Shield, and even booked a spot in European competition.
Although their European journey isn’t precisely what they had envisioned after being placed in the Conference League, Glasner’s squad has quickly moved past that disappointment, demonstrating resilience even amid back-to-back departures of key players over the last two summers.
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The recent 2-1 victory against West Ham pushed them to fifth in the Premier League standings, just one more unbeaten match away from tying their club record. Impressively, analysis from Sky Sports reveals that their expected goals (xG) metric has them at the top of the league.
This feat becomes even more remarkable given their substantial losses, including Eberechi Eze’s £67 million move to Arsenal and Michael Olise’s £51 million transfer to Bayern Munich last year. They’ve faced further challenges with ongoing speculation regarding Marc Guehi’s future.
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Reports indicate that Glasner insisted on not selling Guehi to Liverpool unless a replacement was secured. Nonetheless, he has largely accepted the financial realities of his role, with Palace boasting one of the largest net transfer profits in the league since last summer.
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While many top-half teams in the Premier League have strengthened with significant spending, Palace have apparently weakened yet remain an admirable fifth in the standings.
Glasner has successfully tapped into the potential of players like Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has netted 29 goals in 55 Premier League appearances under his management. The team’s impressive 17-game unbeaten streak highlights their collective capabilities and depth.
Demonstrating a formidable attacking presence, especially during transitions and from set-pieces, Palace has also developed a robust defensive unit, making them challenging to penetrate.
Since Glasner’s debut in February 2024, the team ranks fifth in the Premier League for both goals conceded and expected goals against. Only three teams have allowed fewer shots on target or registered more clean sheets during this period.
Crystal Palace have excelled defensively under Glasner
The club has made smart financial moves, investing wisely rather than excessively, yet it has taken solid coaching for players like Daniel Munoz and Maxence Lacroix to thrive. Both have successfully integrated into Glasner’s system, particularly Lacroix, who previously played under him at Wolfsburg.
The departure of Joachim Andersen to Fulham last summer raised eyebrows, but Lacroix has proven Glasner right, exhibiting strong aerial ability and physicality, solidifying Palace’s defense and earning a reputation as one of the premier centre-backs in one-on-one situations.
While Guehi garners much of the attention among Palace’s defenders, Lacroix’s contributions have been equally vital, and Chris Richards is also flourishing under Glasner’s guidance.
Tyrick Mitchell is also displaying considerable improvement, and the progress extends beyond defenders. Players like Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton are thriving, while summer acquisition Yeremy Pino has made a promising start at the club.
Glasner’s coaching prowess is evident, as he has demonstrated strategic excellence. He overcame both Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot to claim the FA Cup and Community Shield, and his side has managed to earn points against every ‘big six’ club in the Premier League over the past 18 months.
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It’s no surprise that Palace supporters are eager for the club to retain Glasner for as long as possible. He steered the team through a challenging start last season, with the first Premier League victory not coming until late October. However, they ended the season on a historic high and have carried that momentum into this current term.
With only four losses in 24 matches, Palace holds the fourth-best record in the Premier League since the beginning of the year, alongside powerhouses like Manchester City and Chelsea, which is an impressive feat for the club.
The upcoming match against Liverpool at Selhurst Park presents a formidable challenge for Glasner’s squad, and fans hope the club’s remarkable transformation continues onward.