by Matthew Adams

Created on: February 23, 2009   Last Updated: March 23, 2009

The big four of English football, refers to the four clubs that are now consistently finishing in the top 4 of the Premiership, and thus qualifying for the Champions League. In recent seasons Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester Utd and Liverpool have finished in variable order in these positions.

This emergence of four clubs has only been challenged by the likes of Newcastle, Everton, Tottenham and Villa. Rarely, however, has it been broken and winning the league itself is currently beyond these clubs. The title race will most likely involve the big 4 but precious little from beyond. Indeed only Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea have won the league in recent seasons, while Liverpool remained in the hunt and added the Champions League.

The cups also are usually won by these clubs. All of them have won a recent FA Cup, and usually feature up to the later stages. In the League Cup, players are often rested and younger players given games. So, they can come unstuck here.

Not just domestically, but in the Champions League all these clubs have done well recently. All have made it to the final at least once, while Utd and Liverpool have won it. It can only be said, that no other teams from England are even close to this. Leeds, the only other club that have made a semi-final now plays in the 1st division!

So for this, the gulf between these clubs and the rest is quite big. Financially speaking, and on the field, they have the best players and teams. With squads of players and reserves that could make the first teams of most other sides.

Of the big four, only Liverpool has not been able to win the league recently. Undoubtedly, they have won a fair number of cups since, but a 2nd place league finish is their best. For the Anfield faithful, this could change soon and they do have a chance.

Historically, Chelsea have won the fewest number of trophies of these clubs. However, more recently they have won lots with a couple of league titles, and three cups added to their cabinet. With enhanced resources and investment, they are just as potent as their rivals.

For now, I do not consider that the big four to be broken. Everton, Spurs and Villa have not had the consistency to make a difference. They can have teams that do well in a league season, but then slip down the table in another. As with Spurs, who now sit in the bottom half. As such, I expect the top four finishers to remain the big four again.

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