The Rise of Premier League Big Four Clubs in the 2000s

The highest level of the English football league system, the English Premier League (EPL) or Premier League, founded on 20 February 1992, is played between 20 teams. Since then, football fans have enjoyed the fast-paced games with intense rivalries among the teams. The thrilling competitions, legendary players, and the continuous battle to remain on top of the Premier League points table introduced the football fans to a Premier League “Big Four”. The big four clubs include Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

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Introduction of Big Four Clubs

From the start of the English Premier League in 1992, until the season 2023-24, fifty-one clubs in total have faced each other. But, the Big Four Clubs in the Premier League standings hold significance due to their contribution. The clubs have been consistent in their performances while always throwing a fierce and exciting match against their rivals. The Premier League Big Four clubs have never disappointed the loyal fans; they fought aggressively to stay at the top of the points table.

1. Manchester United

The “Red Devils” of football, Manchester United won the inaugural season of the English Premier League and started a legacy of never-ending dominance and success. From 1992 to 2024, United has won 13 Premier League trophies. Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo are a few of the legends that left a lasting impression in red jersey for the football fans.

2. Arsenal

Arsenal aka “The Gunners” won their first Premier League trophy in the season 1997-98. They have maintained their position on the points table with remarkable performance. In season 2003-04, the club donned the Premier League standings by winning all games, receiving the nickname “The Invincibles”.

3. Chelsea

In the early 2000s, Chelsea rose to prominence along with Manchester United and Arsenal. Chelsea being remarkable on the points table has secured multiple titles and trophies. The Blues' Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Eden Hazard are a few of the legendary players.

4. Liverpool

Numerous times in the Premier League standings, Liverpool was the first runner-up and second runner-up. The club has shown passion and a great challenge to rivals, the fans enjoyed intense matches and at last in the Premier League 2019-20, Anfield’s Red won the league.

What Happened in the last Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur match?

Rise Of Big Four In 2000s

Since the inception of the English Premier League in 1992, Manchester United has been the most dominant football club. The club under the management of Alex Ferguson won the inaugural season. In season 1996-97, Arsenal was third in the Premier League standings and eventually won the Premier League trophy against Manchester United in 1997-98. In the following seasons Arsenal under the management of Arsene Wenger gave tough competition to Manchester United on the Premier League points table becoming the “Big 2” clubs of the Premier League.

In the 2000s the English Premier League points table witnessed the dominance of the “Big 2”- Arsenal and Manchester United were challenged by Liverpool and Chelsea. For a decade the four teams; Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool remained at the top of the English Premier League points table and hence called Premier League “Big Four” clubs.

In the early 2000s, the so-called duopoly of the rich clubs Manchester United and Arsenal broke. Chelsea won the English Premier League season 2004-05 and 2005-06. On the other hand, Liverpool was also consistent in the Premier League standings. For a decade football fans saw these four clubs finishing at the top of the points table and qualifying for UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal marked history in the English Premier League season 2003-04 by winning every single game. The club won 49 league matches from 7 May 2003 to 24 October 2004. The record set by “The Invincibles” is unbroken to date.

On May 2008, Kevin Keegan, then manager of Newcastle United commented on the dominance of the Premier League Big Four clubs. He stated; “The league is in danger of becoming one of the most boring but great leagues in the world.” In return, the chief executive of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore said, “There are a lot of different tussles that go on in the Premier League depending on whether you’re at the top, in the middle, or at the bottom that make it interesting.”

Interestingly, later in the 2010s, one more shift was seen in Premier League standings when Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City claimed the top positions in back-to-back seasons. With the addition of these two football clubs to the Premier League standings the “Big Four” turned into “Big Six”.

Premier League Big Four Clubs From 1992 to 2010

Though Manchester City from the Big Six has won consecutively in the past few seasons, the importance of Premier League Big Four clubs is still the same due to consistent performance, admirable winning rate, biggest stadiums and fanbases and above all the healthy financial state. From 1992 to season 2023-24, Manchester United won the Premier League trophy thirteen times, Chelsea five times, Arsenal three and Liverpool only once.

Though new challenges have emerged and other clubs are paving their path towards success, the Premier League Big Four clubs have maintained the legacy and ensure that they keep the true essence of the English Premier League alive.

Premier League Approved Changes?

Premier League season 2024-25

Liverpool is leading the current Premier League points table with 31 points. Manchester United is in 12^th position with 16 points. Chelsea and Arsenal of the Premier League Big Four are in 3^rd and 4^th position respectively with 22 points each. For the final Premier League standings, the fans have to wait until the league ends.

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