Five reasons the Premier League's 'Big Six' era is officially dead

It used to be easy to predict the Premier League table, but in recent years the traditional Big Six clubs have faced challenges. Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham have all struggled, while Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have made significant progress. The article examines five possible reasons for this shift, including the financial power of other clubs, smarter management, and the underperformance of individual teams.

Theory No. 1: Everyone else in the Premier League got rich, too

The Premier League is the most lucrative soccer league in the world, and clubs outside the Big Six have also seen their revenues increase. This has led to a more competitive league, with other teams able to invest in players and infrastructure. However, while wages tend to be the most powerful predictor of results, transfer fees have only a tiny correlation with on-field success. The ratio of wage spend from the Big Six to the rest of the Premier League hasn't really changed all that much, suggesting that other factors are also at play.

Theory No. 2: Everyone else in the Premier League got smarter

The Premier League has also seen a shift in the way clubs are managed, with more data-driven decision-making and a focus on developing young players. This has led to a more level playing field, as clubs are able to identify and develop talent more effectively. However, while data is becoming a much bigger part of the game, it's still vastly overstated how much of an impact these numbers actually have on the way teams are run. Plus, it's not like most of the big clubs aren't hiring some of the best analysts out there, too.

Theory No. 3: This is just a Manchester United story

Manchester United have been the only Big Six club to underperform in recent seasons, finishing eighth last season and currently in 13th. The club has faced a number of challenges, including injuries, a lack of squad depth, and managerial instability. However, while United have struggled, other Big Six clubs have also faced their own challenges, suggesting that there are other factors at play.

Theory No. 4: This is just a Newcastle United story obviously there isn't a Big Six anymore. There's a Big Seven.

Newcastle United have been one of the most successful clubs in recent seasons, finishing fourth in their first full season under new ownership and seventh last season. The club's owners, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, have the financial resources to compete with the biggest clubs in the world. This has led to a significant increase in the club's spending power, and they are now one of the most likely clubs to break into the top six.

Theory No. 5: It's everything, and it's all just random, man

The Premier League is a complex and unpredictable competition, and it's difficult to pinpoint exactly why the Big Six era is over. It could be a combination of factors, including increased spending by other clubs, smarter management, and the underperformance of individual teams. It's also possible that the league is simply more competitive than it has ever been, with more teams capable of challenging for the top spots.

In conclusion, the Premier League's 'Big Six' era is officially dead. The league is more competitive than ever, with a growing number of clubs capable of challenging for the top spots. While the Big Six clubs will still be among the favourites to win the league, they can no longer take their place at the top of the table for granted.