In (what seems like) every summer, Crystal Palace fans show annoyance in getting their "final squad" settled during the Transfer Window. While the delay may be frustrating, it should not be surprising. Recent history shows an unsettled back three in August doesn’t have to define the season.
Unsettled? Yes. Unprecedented? No.
Why sorting Palace’s back three deserves patience
Seemingly every summer, there is a collective panic amongst many Crystal Palace supporters regarding the transfer window. Accordingly, there seemingly exists people (including yours truly!) who are looking asking these supporters to take a deep breath and calmly assess the situation. Many times, the collective concern exists with the defensive line. Did we do enough to strengthen? Did we replace our defensive leaders? Will will have enough pace, experience, depth, or all the above to survive another Premier League season? Historical precedence tells us every year that this is not something new. Like it or not, Crystal Palace has consistently waited late to get their transfer business sorted. Those in “panic mode” – worry you not! We only need to go back two seasons to show that the sky truly isn’t falling, and that it is still possible to have a very successful season.
“Cut Out the Middle Man!”
Oliver Glasner took over Crystal Palace in February of 2024, and only one Palace central defended started all 13 matches for him to end the season. That defender? Joachim Andersen. Andersen served as the heartbeat of the back line: vocally directing teammates as well as initiating builds with his effective passing ability. However, after the first Premier League match week of the 2024/25 season, Andersen was sold to Fulham. It took Palace twelve days – and three total matches – after Andersen’s last match to find his replacement. The Eagles, understandably, looked underprepared and outmatched during those matches. It wasn’t until the final hours of deadline day that Crystal Palace brought in their new CB: Frenchman Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg.
Our Savior Arrives?
Lacroix’s arrival did not provide an “instant fix” for this sputtering Crystal Palace side. Manager Oliver Glasner needed time to experiment with the defensive line to determine which combination of central defenders would make the best back three. Most of these featured Marc Guehi as Central CB where - despite all his qualities as a defender - he struggled. In total, Glasner used EIGHT different back three set ups in the first EIGHT matches of the season. Interestingly, what happened in the first match that there were no changes across the back line? That match was home against Spurs, and it also was the first win of the season for Crystal Palace!
Finding the Right Combination Brings Success
For the remainder of the season, that back three remained relatively unchanged. Lacroix and Guehi were locked into their respective roles as Central CB and Left CB, changing only due to injury or suspension. The Right CB role changed in January when loanee Trevoh Chalobah was recalled back to Chelsea. However, this could be viewed as a net-positive, as Chris Richards stepped in to the starting role out right to great success.
Crystal Palace played eight different back three set ups in their first eight matchesWhen Palace were still trying to find the best version of their back line, they managed only three points from their first seven matches. Once the blueprint (Lacroix central, Guehi left) was discovered, their results vastly changed. Across their last 31 league matches, Crystal Palace earned 50 points – the 7th-highest points total in the Premier League during that timeframe. Additionally, this defensive continuity made Crystal Palace a tough opponent in knockout competitions. This led to the greatest moment in club history: Palace lifting the FA Cup as winners of the 2025 Final.
Palace's points total once they figured out their back line was of "European Qualification Standard"We’ve Been Here Before
Granted, it did take some time, but Crystal Palace earned points at a European-qualifying rate from late-October until the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season. While it is frustrating to see the club sputter out of the blocks to begin each season, it should not come as unexpected. Under Chairman Steve Parish, the Palace modus operandi during the Transfer Window has been to wait for bargains that arise in the dying embers of the window. To expect anything else would be a fool’s errand!
Historical Precedent, Not Blind Faith!
Palace currently sit two games into the 2026/27 season with two losses and a goal difference of -5. No one is here to argue that this is an ideal predicament. However, it is not a leap of faith to believe the tides will change. Rather, there is historical precedent that shows that reinforcements may still be coming, and the back line needs time to gel. Yes, players have struggled in new roles – namely Chris Richards. Remember, Marc Guehi did not magically become a poor defender when asked to play out of position centrally, and neither has Richards. The right roles, the right combination, and the right timeframe to allow chemistry to be build should bring positive results. Remember, you don’t have to believe me blindly – just look back two years!
All will be well. This is just another go on “the Palace Rollercoaster.” Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
