EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ - Sports - Nairaland
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| EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by Ridwan1821(op): 7:35am On Apr 04, 2016 |
– The structure of the EPL ‘big four’ has
changed significantly
– ‘Unknown’ Leicester City are on the verge of
claiming the 2015/2016 EPL title
– Liverpool and Chelsea are struggling to finish
among the top ten. The popular saying that ‘Change’ is the only constant thing has definitely applied to the dominance of the notable ‘Big Four’ in the English Premier League. It was a significant feature of the Premier League in the mid-2000s where clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are always in the top four positions at the end of each season. It was a routine during this period especially between 2002 and 2009, the ‘Big Four’ dominated the top four spots and consequently qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. In 5 out of 6 seasons from 2003-04 to 2008-09 inclusive, these four clubs feasted on other clubs with Arsenal going as far as winning the league without losing a single game in 2003– 04, the only time it has ever happened in the Premier League. According to Kevin Keegan who was the Newcastle manager in 2008, the ‘Big Four’ dominance posed a big threat to the EPL, adding that it could make the league boring. “This league is in danger of becoming one of the most boring but great leagues in the world.” Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said in defence: “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.” However, with the reinforcement of Manchester City and Tottenham just after the end of 2009, there has been gradual shift in the structure of the ‘Big Four’ teams. By the time Sheikh Mansour who bought the club in 2008 for £210million settled with the team and injected lots of cash, Manchester City won the title in the 2011-12 season, becoming the first club outside the ‘Big Four’ to win since 1994-95. And since then the structure of the Big Four has finally changed. However, the most unbelievable feat of the EPL may come up at the end of the 2015/2016 with ‘small rats’ Leicester City thrashing other teams and have lost just three games from their 32 EPL games so far and leading with 69 points. The Foxes are in a position that no one ever thought possible. With the exception of north London, everyone in the entire Britain is willing them over the line, desperate for the underdogs to beat the big boys, something no one would ever imagine. Leicester are now 7 points clear on top of the log with just six games to go and are doing just enough to win. Each of their last four games as at April 3 ended 1 – 0, but grinding out a result week after week is so hard to do. Apart from Arsenal which currently occupy the 3rd position with 58 points, other ‘Big Four’ teams are not in the clique. Liverpool and Chelsea are 9th and 10th respectively with Manchester United in 5th. Totttenham have now improved tremendously and also look good for the title being 2nd on the standings with Manchester City in fourth position. The question is, can Claudio Ranieri’s men win the 2015/2016 season in a spectacular fashion? |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by ourkobo: 7:39am On Apr 04, 2016 |
I dey come |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by fashoo2010(m): 7:45am On Apr 04, 2016 |
Very interesting league... Leicester came as a surprise to everyone... Bt the meaning Is that any club can win the league with hard work |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by Caseless: 7:52am On Apr 04, 2016 |
I'm a man U fan, and I support leicester 100% to win the league. Like keegan said, the regular top four are making the league boring. That's why spanish league is not always appealing to me; it is either madrid or barcelona. That's why I stopped watching 'el classico', It is repetitive-year-in-year-out. Not fun anymore! |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by Ridwan1821(op): 7:53am On Apr 04, 2016 |
cc Lalasticlala, Mynd44.. Shift this thread to the front page so that many sport lovers will talk about it. |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by Frei(m): 8:07am On Apr 04, 2016 |
Caseless:You need to see The Ligue 1 - its so boring.... Imagine PSG winning the league every season with 20 points!!!! EPL is the most interesting league, at least four clubs compete for the league every season #GGMU |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by Kingsasian(m): 8:20am On Apr 04, 2016 |
Leicester FC has won the league. I can't see Arsenal fc, Tottenham and Man city fc keeping up with their pace with successive wins. |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by Islamicpope(m): 8:36am On Apr 04, 2016 |
EPL d best league in d world where uncertainty rules till d last day. the top four is a war and d last three is a battle for survival. |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by Ridwan1821(op): 9:23am On Apr 04, 2016 |
Frei:Bundesliga is also boring.. In recent seasons, the league is won mostly by Bayern Munchen. |
| Re: EPL: The Rise And Fall Of The ‘big Four’ by Frei(m): 9:28am On Apr 04, 2016 |
Ridwan1821:yea bro you're right but Bayern Munich still has little competition from Dortmund and maybe Leverkusen sometimes but Ligue 1 PSG has no competitor... |
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