Premier League: Is the era of the 'Big Six' coming to an end?
BBC Sport
In the world of Premier League football, for years, a group of six clubs stood out: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur. They were known as the "Big Six" for their consistent dominance in terms of results, fan base, and financial power.
However, in recent seasons, this dynamic has shifted. Traditionally powerful clubs like Tottenham and Manchester United have struggled, while teams like Aston Villa, Brentford, and Brighton have been climbing the ranks.
Even Manchester City, the league's dominant force over the past decade, faces uncertainty after being found guilty of breaching financial rules.
While the "Big Six" remains financially powerful, with all clubs in the top 10 of world football's highest revenue generators, the on-field era of this traditional dominance may be coming to an end.
One of the most memorable moments of the Premier League era was Leicester City's fairytale title win in 2015-16, proving that success isn't exclusively reserved for the "Big Six". But since then, the top positions have largely been occupied by these same clubs.
Since 2010-11 to 2018-19, the "Big Six" finished in the top six five times, top seven twice, and top eight once. However, in the subsequent years, their dominance has been challenged.
In only one of the past six seasons have all six clubs finished in the top six. Tottenham has struggled, ending below the relegation zone in each of the past two campaigns. Manchester United and Liverpool currently occupy 13th and 9th places, respectively, this season.
Over the past three years, five of the top six spots have gone to clubs not traditionally in the "Big Six". This shift is reflected in the past eight years combined.
Other clubs have become more competitive, getting richer and smarter in their strategies. The landscape of the Premier League is changing, and it's no longer just the "Big Six" at the top.