Tottenham second bottom and Manchester United 13th as 'Big Six' era crumbles

Tottenham Hotspur are second bottom on three points after six games without a win, while Manchester United sit 13th and Liverpool ninth. The traditional Premier League 'Big Six' no longer dominates, with Brighton, Brentford and Everton currently occupying top-six places. The shift raises questions about the era's end.

  • Competition: Premier League 2026-27
  • Key fact: Tottenham second bottom with three points after six games without a win
  • Key fact: Manchester United 13th, Liverpool ninth
  • Key fact: Brighton, Brentford and Everton in the top six
  • At stake: The Big Six's on-field dominance appears over

What was said

"Our recruitment strategy and philosophy has been something that we've built on over a long period of time now. The data element of it gets a lot of attention because going back a few years it was quite novel in comparison to some other clubs. Really it's just a component of a bigger process that goes on. It's an important component, it helps us to identify talent from around the world in quite an efficient way which allows us to move quickly in what is a really competitive transfer market."

— Mike Cave, Brighton sporting director, on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast

Cave's comments highlight how Brighton's data-driven approach has helped them compete with wealthier clubs. The Seagulls have consistently signed promising players for low fees and sold them at significant profits, enabling reinvestment. This strategy has allowed them to challenge the Big Six despite a smaller budget, showing that smart recruitment can bridge the financial gap.

The numbers

  • Between 2010-11 and 2018-19, the Big Six finished in the top six five times, top seven twice and top eight once.
  • In only one of the six seasons since 2018-19 have all six finished in the top six.
  • The smallest deficit between seventh and sixth place from 2016-17 to 2018-19 was eight points.
  • Five of the top six places have gone to non-Big Six clubs in the past three years – the same as the previous eight years combined.
  • Tottenham finished 17th in each of the past two seasons.

Why the Big Six's dominance has faded

The Big Six's decline on the pitch stems from multiple factors. Manchester United have struggled since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, cycling through four permanent managers since the start of 2020-21. Chelsea have had seven permanent managers in the same period, and Tottenham six. This lack of continuity has hindered progress, while Arsenal's patience with Mikel Arteta – appointed in 2019 – paid off with last season's Premier League title.

Meanwhile, other clubs have closed the financial gap. Newcastle's £305m takeover in 2021 transformed them from 11th in 2021-22 to fourth and then fifth. Brighton's data-driven recruitment has yielded huge profits, such as Moises Caicedo signed for £4m and sold to Chelsea for £115m, Marc Cucurella bought for £15m and sold for £62m, and Alexis Mac Allister purchased for £7m and sold to Liverpool for £55m. These deals have funded further investment and allowed them to compete.

The Big Six still hold financial power – Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea are all in the top 10 of highest revenue-generating clubs globally. However, on-field success no longer correlates directly with wealth, as tactical innovation and smart recruitment have levelled the playing field. The current season's early table, with Brighton, Brentford and Everton in the top six, underscores this shift. Whether this is a permanent change or a temporary blip remains to be seen, but the trend suggests the era of guaranteed Big Six dominance is over.

Talking points

  • Is the Big Six concept now obsolete, or will they reassert dominance once their revenue advantage tells?
  • Tottenham's consecutive 17th-place finishes prove that stadium revenue alone doesn't guarantee success.
  • Brighton's model is the blueprint: buy low, sell high, reinvest. But can they sustain it without Champions League football?
  • Manchester City's financial breach verdict adds uncertainty – could it accelerate the Big Six's decline?

What happens next

The Premier League season continues this weekend, with Tottenham desperate to kickstart their campaign and Manchester United seeking to climb the table. The upcoming fixtures will reveal whether the current top-six incumbents can maintain their challenge or if the Big Six will begin their recovery.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Tottenham in the Premier League table?

Tottenham are second bottom on three points after failing to win any of their first six games.

Which non-Big Six clubs are in the top six?

Brighton, Brentford and Everton currently occupy top-six places.

How many managers have Chelsea had since 2020-21?

Chelsea have had seven different permanent managers since the start of the 2020-21 season.

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