From Euphoria to Reality: Palace’s Rocky Start
When Oliver Glasner took charge of Crystal Palace last season, he transformed a relegation-threatened side into one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams. Six wins in seven games, including a stunning 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa, had fans dreaming of European football. Fast forward to today, and the Eagles are winless in their first seven matches—their worst start in 31 years. What went wrong? Baji breaks down the tactical and personnel issues plaguing Selhurst Park.
Key Factors Behind Palace’s Slump
The Michael Olise Void
Losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich was always going to hurt, but few anticipated the scale of the impact. Last season, Olise and Eberechi Eze formed one of the league’s most lethal wing partnerships, combining for nine goals in just five starts under Glasner. Without Olise, Palace’s creativity has plummeted.
- Eze’s Dip in Form: Eze, fatigued after Euro 2024, has seen his chance creation drop by 40%.
- Failed Replacements: Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah, signed to fill the gap, have yet to register a goal or assist.
Midfield Missteps
Daichi Kamada, Glasner’s former Frankfurt star, was expected to thrive but has been deployed out of position in defensive midfield. His struggles mirror Palace’s broader issues:
- Lack of Adaptability: Glasner’s high-pressing system isn’t suited to a fatigued squad.
- Wharton’s Fitness Issues: Adam Wharton, a breakout star last season, has been playing through injury.
Tactical Stubbornness or Necessary Patience?
Glasner’s refusal to tweak his system has drawn criticism. Palace’s sluggish starts—they’ve scored just one first-half goal all season—suggest his high-intensity approach isn’t working with the current squad.
Expert Insight:
“Glasner needs to adjust his tactics to fit the players he has, not the ones he wishes he had.” — Mark Thompson, Tactical Analyst at Baji
The Road Ahead: Can Palace Turn It Around?
With tricky fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham looming, Glasner must find solutions fast. The January transfer window offers hope, but survival may hinge on tactical flexibility.
Key Takeaways:
- Defensive Frailties: Joachim Andersen’s sale has left a leadership void.
- Striker Conundrum: Jean-Philippe Mateta’s hot streak has cooled, leaving Nketiah as the only viable No. 9.
Final Verdict
While panic isn’t warranted yet, Glasner must evolve. If Palace’s form doesn’t improve by November, the Austrian’s early heroics could be forgotten. For now, Baji believes patience is key—but time is running out.
What do you think? Can Glasner turn things around, or is a managerial change inevitable? Share your thoughts below!
