Is the Premier League's 'Big Six' era over?
The Premier League's traditional 'Big Six' of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are no longer dominating the top six, with other clubs rising.
For years, the Premier League's 'Big Six'—Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur—were synonymous with the top of the table. They combined huge fanbases, financial power and on-field success. But recently, that dominance has faded: Tottenham and Manchester United have struggled near the wrong end, while Aston Villa, Brentford and Brighton have challenged at the top.
Financial might still largely resides with the traditional six, as all are among the world's top 10 revenue-generating clubs. However, on the pitch, the gap has narrowed. Manchester City, the dominant side of the past decade, face uncertainty after being found guilty of breaching financial rules over nine years.
Since 2019-20, the 'Big Six' have all finished in the top six only once. Tottenham have been particularly poor, ending one place above the relegation zone in each of the past two seasons and currently second bottom with three points from six games. Manchester United sit 13th and Liverpool ninth early this season. Since 2021-22, Chelsea and United have missed the top six twice, while Spurs have missed out three times.
Other clubs have closed the gap financially and strategically. Newcastle's £305m takeover in 2021 led to a rise from 11th to fourth and then fifth. Brighton have used data and smart recruitment, buying Moises Caicedo for £4m and selling him to Chelsea for £115m, Marc Cucurella for £15m and selling for £62m, and Alexis Mac Allister for £7m before his £55m move to Liverpool.
Instability has hurt some 'Big Six' clubs. Since 2020-21, Manchester United have had four permanent managers, Chelsea seven and Tottenham six. Arsenal, by contrast, have shown patience with Mikel Arteta, appointed in 2019, and were rewarded with last season's Premier League title.
The 'Big Six' concept has always evolved—from a 'Big Five' in 1992 to a 'Big Two', then a 'Big Four', and finally the 'Big Six' from 2010-11. Now, with Brighton, Brentford and Everton in the top six, the league appears more open than ever. Supporters may welcome this unpredictability, though it remains to be seen if it lasts.
Image: AFP via Getty Images / BBC Sport
