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Oliver Glasner makes “the reality of Crystal Palace” claim in defence of Eagles’ form

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This season has been terrible for Crystal Palace so far, with the end of last season making things even more disappointing.

Crystal Palace won six of the last seven games to conclude the 2023/24 season, and it was this run which gave fans plenty of confidence heading into the 2024/25 campaign.

However, prior to the season beginning, Paul Merson was unconvinced, warning Crystal Palace fans that relegation was a very real possibility.

This was laughed off, however, now seven games into the season and Oliver Glasner’s side sits inside the bottom three and in relegation form.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
16 EvertonEverton7 1 2 4 7 15 -8 5
17 IpswichIpswich7 0 4 3 6 14 -8 4
18 Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace7 0 3 4 5 10 -5 3
19 SouthamptonSouthampton7 0 1 6 4 15 -11 1
20 WolvesWolves7 0 1 6 9 21 -12 1

This was a harsh crash back to reality but it has not surprised Glasner, as he has told Austrian media.

Oliver Glasner explains ‘reality’ for the Eagles amid struggles

The difference between the first seven games this season and the last seven last campaign is night and day, but Glasner has now explained why he isn’t exactly surprised by this.

Everton FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Speaking with Sky Sports in his native Austria prior to the weekend, Glasner admitted that the form last season probably set unrealistic expectations – considering the Eagles have not been this kind of club in history.

“With all the euphoria that was at the end, the fact is that Crystal Palace were five points away from the relegation zone on the 25th day. And in the season before that, after 28 days of play, three points away from the relegation zone,” he said.

“And that’s Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace is not a top-six team in England. We know that. And accordingly, yes, we can’t always talk about the last seven games where we won six and got a draw. Because that’s just not what Crystal Palace has been doing for 20 years.

“Of course, we want to win every game. But don’t always suggest this expectation that we have to win against Liverpool. And if it doesn’t work, then you’ve failed. No, the boys tried everything. They were close. But then it just wasn’t enough.

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    • Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace

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      LiverpoolLiverpool

“And again, to put it all into perspective, when we won at Anfield Road last season, that was the only win in the last 18 games against Liverpool. And that’s just the reality of Crystal Palace.”

Glasner sounds almost like this is something he has only just come to terms with himself in this interview, however, he’s spot on and fans need to have patience.

Underlying stats suggest Crystal Palace will come good

Despite a streak of seven winless games, the underlying stats at Selhurst Park suggest things will get better.

The Eagles have only managed to accumulate three points this season in actuality, however, the expected points (xPTS) tally of 7.30 would place Glasner’s side 15th and clear of relegation just behind Newcastle.

Premier League predicted points table up until game week seven

#TeamxPTS
14Newcastle United7.93
15Crystal Palace7.30
16Southampton6.59
17Everton5.36
18Wolverhampton Wanderers5.19
19Leicester City4.24
20Ipswich Town4.09

Along with this, the Eagles have underperformed the expected goals which have been accumulated by 4.27 xG – which suggests better finishing would change a great deal.

Glasner has proven his excellence as a manager throughout his career, and with time and backing he will do it here, we’re convinced.

So regardless of struggles, Steve Parish and Co. should not even be considering a managerial change at the moment.