Is Crystal Palace Facing a Flat Finish to Their Historic Year?

Crystal Palace is currently grappling with a troubling form as they have suffered three consecutive Premier League defeats, marking their first such losing streak since October 2024. Following a remarkable year under manager Oliver Glasner, which included a historic FA Cup and Community Shield victory, the club now faces uncertainty as it enters 2026. With injuries to key players and a lack of transfer activity, the immediate future looks precarious for the Eagles as they strive to maintain their competitive edge.

Last updated: 30 December 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

Crystal Palace finds itself in a challenging position after ending 2025 with a disappointing loss to Tottenham Hotspur, which has left fans and analysts questioning the club's direction. Manager Oliver Glasner has openly expressed his concerns regarding the squad's depth and the need for reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window. The team has been struggling both offensively and defensively, particularly in set-piece situations, leading to a concerning run of form that threatens to undo the progress made over the past year.

Key takeaways

• Crystal Palace has lost three consecutive league matches for the first time under Glasner.
• Manager Glasner is seeking new signings in January to bolster the squad.
• Key players are injured, which has exacerbated the team's struggles.

Timeline: how we got here

Since Oliver Glasner’s appointment in February 2024, Crystal Palace has experienced a remarkable turnaround, culminating in a record points tally and historic cup victories. However, the following timeline highlights the recent decline:

• February 2024: Oliver Glasner appointed as manager.
• May 2024: Wins the FA Cup, marking a historic achievement for the club.
• August 2024: Claims the Community Shield.
• 2025: Enters major European competition for the first time.
• 30 December 2025: Suffer a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, marking their third consecutive league defeat.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Following the loss to Tottenham, Glasner has been vocal about the urgent need for squad reinforcements. The team’s injuries, particularly to defenders and key attacking players, have prompted concerns about their competitiveness moving forward.

What was already established

Prior to this losing streak, Crystal Palace had been enjoying a successful season, with strong performances in the league and cup competitions. However, the recent injuries and a lack of scoring have highlighted vulnerabilities that have emerged over the past month.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and local businesses, the form of Crystal Palace can have economic implications, particularly in areas around Selhurst Park. Matchday attendance and associated spending can fluctuate based on the club's performance, affecting local economies.

Businesses and jobs

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Glasner’s future and potential squad changes could impact the morale of the team and its supporters. If the club fails to invest in new players, it may struggle to retain its fanbase and attract new supporters, which could have long-term implications for revenue and employment within the club.

Policy and regulation

The club’s management decisions regarding player recruitment and contract negotiations could set precedents for future policies. The board will need to weigh the financial aspects of investing in new players against the potential benefits of maintaining a competitive squad.

Numbers that matter

• 21 goals scored this season against an expected goals (xG) tally of 29.4.
• 8 of the last 9 goals conceded in all competitions resulted from set pieces.
• Crystal Palace has recorded three consecutive league defeats, equalling their longest losing streak under Glasner.

Definitions and jargon buster

• xG (Expected Goals): A statistical measure of the likelihood of a goal being scored from a particular position on the pitch.
• FA Cup: A knockout competition in English football, regarded as one of the most prestigious domestic tournaments.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The upcoming transfer window in January presents an immediate opportunity for Crystal Palace to address squad deficiencies. Fans will be keenly watching for any signings that could reinvigorate the team.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If the club can successfully navigate the transfer window and strengthen the squad, they may be able to turn their season around and push for a higher league finish. Conversely, failure to act may cement their struggles.

Signals to watch

• Monitor any announcements regarding player signings in January.
• Keep an eye on injury updates for key players to assess their impact on team performance.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support the team through attendance and engagement, especially during challenging times.
• Stay informed about club news, especially regarding potential signings or managerial decisions.

Don’t

• Don’t lose faith in the management’s ability to turn the situation around; the team has shown resilience in the past.
• Don’t ignore the potential impact of player injuries on performance.

Checklist

• Review the latest news on player injuries and expected return dates.
• Stay updated on transfer market movements and potential signings.
• Engage with fellow fans and community discussions to maintain morale.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The club's current situation is fluid, and several factors could influence its trajectory. If Glasner does not receive sufficient backing in the transfer market, it could lead to further instability. Additionally, the potential departure of key players could affect squad morale and performance. Injuries also remain a significant concern and could impact the team's ability to recover from their current form.

Bottom line

Crystal Palace stands at a crossroads as it enters 2026. The club's recent achievements under Glasner are overshadowed by a worrying dip in form and key injuries. The upcoming transfer window is critical for revitalising the squad and ensuring that the progress made in 2025 is not lost. How the board responds to Glasner's calls for reinforcements will likely dictate the team's fortunes in the months ahead.

FAQs

What are Crystal Palace's current challenges in the Premier League?

Crystal Palace is experiencing a three-match losing streak and struggles with scoring goals, having underperformed against their expected goals (xG) tally significantly this season.

What is Oliver Glasner's contract situation?

Manager Oliver Glasner's contract is set to expire in June 2026, and he has yet to commit his long-term future to the club, seeking assurances regarding squad investment.

Which key players are missing for Crystal Palace?

Key players missing include Daniel Munoz, Ismaila Sarr, and Chris Richards, with injuries and Sarr’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations impacting the team's performance.