A dramatic season which must have left Crystal Palace fans totally out of breath by the end.
While respectful to Roy Hodgson’s legacy at the club, many felt keeping him on as manager signalled a lack of ambition.
But after his resignation due to ill health, new manager Oliver Glasner has transformed the Eagles’ fortunes.
They finished the season one of the Premier League’s form teams. The challenge over the summer is keeping hold of their most valuable assets.
Here, Dom Smith assesses their 2023-24 season…
The season in one word
Rollercoaster.
Star of the show
Michael Olise: Has overtaken Eberechi Eze as Palace’s most valuable gem this season. His majestic left foot is the envy of clubs across Europe.
Biggest let down
Odsonne Edouard: Most Palace players given regular game-time this season have performed well, but the French striker was not prolific and lost his place.
Most improved player
Jean-Philippe Mateta: Has been a revelation, holding the ball up, bringing Olise and Eze into play and scoring 16 goals in all competitions.
Game to remember
Crystal Palace 4-0 Manchester United: A poisonous night for United was a glorious one for Palace, who scored four unanswered goals and totally outplayed the visitors.
Game to forget
Brighton 4-1 Palace: The 5-0 defeat at Arsenal was bad, but then came February’s 4-1 hammering against rivals Brighton. Spelt the beginning of the end for Hodgson.
Rising star
Adam Wharton. Hard to remember when a Championship player last took the Premier League by storm. The 20-year-old central midfielder will be a star.
Manager verdict
Since replacing Hodgson, Glasner has transformed Palace into a dynamic winning machine. Sounded out by Bayern Munich in May. Who can blame them?
Fans’ mood
Eagles fans have scarcely been more optimistic than in the last few months. Glasner’s front-foot approach offers hope.
