Oliver Glasner: The man behind Crystal Palace resurgence

2024/25 FA Cup winners, Crystal Palace celebrating their victory over Manchester City. Photo Credit- Skysports/WhatsApp

In the heart of South London, where Selhurst Park is home to the joys and memories of Crystal Palace’s loyal supporters, Oliver Glasner has emerged as a transformative figure. Since taking the helm in February 2024, the 50-year-old Austrian has not only managed a club struggling in the pit of Premier League relegation but also pushed them to make history. With Palace defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 17, 2025, and sitting 12th in the Premier League with a shot at their best-ever points tally, Glasner’s blend of tactical ability, optimism, and relentless ambition has redefined the Eagles’ trajectory. This piece is set to explore Glasner’s performance, tactical philosophy, and updated managerial statistics.

A new dawn at Selhurst Park

When Glasner arrived at Crystal Palace, replacing Roy Hodgson, the club was in disarray. Winless in their first eight games of the 2024/25 season, Palace faced mounting pressure, with fans and pundits questioning their direction after losing star winger Michael Olise to Bayern Munich and key defender Joachim Andersen to Fulham. Glasner, a former Europa League winner with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, inherited a squad disrupted by seven players’ international commitments and late transfer-window upheaval. However, his appointment, championed by co-owner John Textor, who saw him as a “better fit” than for his Lyon project.

Glasner’s impact was not immediate. Palace didn’t secure a league win until October 27, 2024, a 1-0 victory over Tottenham, but this sparked a remarkable turnaround. Since that day, their record ranks sixth-best in the Premier League, trailing only Liverpool, Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest. By May 17, 2025, Palace sit 12th with 49 points from 36 matches, needing one point from their final two games to surpass their 1990/91 record of 50 points. Their FA Cup final win, sealed by a goal from Eberechi Eze and a penalty save from Dean Henderson, gave them their first major trophy.

Glasner’s performance and statistics in Crystal Palace

Glasner’s tenure is a tale of resilience and reinvention. In his first partial season (2023/24), he took over a Palace side languishing in 14th and secured 24 points from 13 games, finishing 10th, their joint-best Premier League finish. His six wins in the final seven games, including a 3-1 thrashing of Manchester United and a 1-0 upset at Liverpool, showcased his ability. The 2024/25 season, despite its rocky start, has seen Palace achieve a 10-game away unbeaten streak (November 2, 2024–April 2, 2025), a club record.

Currently, Glasner’s overall record at Palace stands at 21 wins, 12 draws, and 13 losses across 46 matches in all competitions, averaging 1.63 points per game. His 20 wins from 45 games (44.4% win rate) beats all Palace managers since Terry Venables (1976–1980). Palace’s 46 league goals (1.28 per game) and 49 conceded (1.36 per game) reflect a balanced side, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eze’s goal contributions leading attacks. Their 12.28 shots per match and over 35 set-piece goals under Glasner highlight an attacking edge.Glasner’s FA Cup run, culminating in victory against Manchester City, has been a masterclass. Palace defeated West Ham (3-1), Leicester (2-0), and Villa, exploiting transitions and set pieces. A 2-2 draw at City in December, where Glasner defeated Pep Guardiola’s 4-1-4-1, showed his tactical skills.

Glasner’s tactics in Crystal Palace

Glasner’s tactical philosophy is rooted in high-energy, transitional football, demanding peak fitness from his squad, according to BBC sport. His preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, occasionally shifting to a 3-2-5 in possession, leverages wing-backs Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Muñoz to stretch defenses, creating space for attacking midfielders like Eze and Ismaila Sarr.

Palace’s 7.6 turnovers per game rank among the league’s highest, with Glasner’s “trigger pressing” exploiting opposition errors, according to Opta Analyst. This was evident in their 5-2 loss to City, where Palace’s width exposed City’s midfield. Palace’s over 35 set-piece goals, including Mateta’s headers and Marc Guéhi’s near-post runs, make them a threat for defenses.

Glasner’s wing-backs (Munoz’s 4 goals, 5 assists) and No. 10s (Eze’s 7 goals, Sarr’s 7) create a 3-2-5 attacking shape, as seen when Sarr scored against City. Maxence Lacroix’s ball-playing (88% pass accuracy) initiates these moves. Glasner obsesses over efficiency, noting Palace’s 5 goals in the first eight games of 2024/25 weren’t far off their 7 the prior season, according to The Athletic. His 1.98 xG vs. Liverpool in April 2024 led to a 1-0 win, showcasing clinical finishing.

Challenges and resilience of Oliver Glasner

Glasner’s journey wasn’t a rollercoaster ride. The sale of Olise and Andersen, coupled with injuries to centre-backs like Trevoh Chalobah (recalled by Chelsea) and Chadi Riad, disrupted his preferred back three. Palace’s winless start led to scrutiny. A 5-0 loss to Newcastle and 5-2 to City in April exposed defensive weaknesses. Yet, Glasner’s optimism kept the squad united. His signing of Eddie Nketiah, Maxence Lacroix, and Ismaila Sarr—has been a mixed bag. Nketiah’s 2 goals in 15 games underwhelm, but Sarr’s 7 goals and Lacroix’s composure have bolstered the spine. Glasner’s ability to maximize Mateta (0.48 goals per 90) and Eze (8 assists) has been crucial.

Conclusion

Glasner’s tenure proves ambition and adaptability. His high-pressing, set-piece-heavy 3-4-2-1 has turned Palace into a totally different team. Fans on social media praised his tactical setup and compact organization, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch late in the season. The FA Cup win is Glasner’s defining moment. Glasner’s warning to Guardiola “he can’t play this system, because we will beat it” shows his confidence. However, with this victory and rise, Glasner as well as players like Eze will be on the radar of bigger European teams which may affect the chances of Crystal Palace to continue this brilliant form.