Crystal Palace are quietly rewriting the narrative in English football.
On Saturday, their last-minute winner against Liverpool not only extended their unbeaten streak to 18 games but also matched a club record set back in 1969.
This isn’t just a lucky run—this is a team firing on all cylinders under Oliver Glasner.
Over the past months, Palace have faced and triumphed over some of the toughest sides in England.
They’ve taken on Liverpool three times, even winning the Community Shield on penalties, and lifted their first-ever major trophy by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Wins at Tottenham, draws at Arsenal and Chelsea, and victories over Aston Villa show they’re no fluke.
Solid Defence Forms the Backbone of Success
A lot of this success stems from a back three that is near-impenetrable.
Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, and Chris Richards have been rock-solid, starting together in 20 league games and keeping 11 clean sheets.
They dominate aerial duels and are tactically disciplined, ensuring Palace absorb pressure efficiently before launching attacks.
Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 formation cleverly transitions into a 5-4-1 when defending.
Wing-backs Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz tuck in to create a five-man defensive line, while No 10s Yeremy Pino and Ismaila Sarr drop into midfield.
Palace are patient, letting opponents push wide before springing counterattacks—often with devastating results.
Wing-Backs Driving the Attack
Munoz and Mitchell are the heartbeat of Palace’s wing-back system.
Their relentless work-rate allows the team to instantly transition from defence to attack, outnumbering opponents at both ends.
Munoz has already covered 42 miles this season, while Mitchell trails closely on 39 miles, ranking among the league’s top defenders in sprints.
Their stats aren’t just about energy—they deliver in the final third too.
Between them, they’ve contributed 16 goals and assists since last season, over a quarter of Palace’s total output.
That’s in stark contrast to Manchester United’s wing-backs under Ruben Amorim, who have contributed minimally.
Flexibility Over Rigidity
Unlike many managers who cling to a single formation, Glasner adapts based on his players.
“The system is not important,” he says. “Habits, patterns, how you want your players to behave on the pitch—that’s what matters.”
Whether attacking with five players or defending in a mid-block, Palace players know their roles, and the system flows around them.
Mastering the Mid-Block
Palace thrive in a mid-block setup, sitting deep enough to invite pressure but ready to strike with speed.
Only Burnley average less possession than Palace, and their attacks often start closer to their own goal.
They don’t rely on pressing high but move the ball quickly once they regain it, averaging 2.11 metres per second in progression.
This tactical discipline allows players like Pino to intercept, while Sarr and Mateta exploit spaces efficiently.
Midfielders Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada link defence and attack seamlessly, ensuring Palace operate as a cohesive unit.
A Threat on Set-Pieces
Palace aren’t just dangerous in open play—they’re lethal from set-pieces.
Their opener against Liverpool came from a corner, and the winning goal arrived from a precision long throw.
Since last season, only Arsenal have scored more set-piece goals.
With defenders like Guehi, Lacroix, and Richards contributing goals, Palace are a multifaceted threat.
Crystal Palace Are Serious Contenders
While their fans are used to mid-table finishes, the chants at Selhurst Park after Saturday’s win hinted at something bolder: “Now you’re going to believe us, we’re going to win the league.”
With a clear style, disciplined players, and a tactical system that adapts to every opponent, don’t be surprised if Crystal Palace continue to shake up the Premier League this season.