Matt 1Man. Utd., Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal: Is Their Dominance Good for the Premier League?
December 28th 2007 04:43
Traditionally, many pundits have thought that the state of the English Premier League table at Christmas says plenty about how it will wind up in May. And by the looks of things, it will wind up like it always does, with the same sides heading the ladder. Since it began in 1992, the Premier League has seen very few clubs consistently dominate. Only "the Big Four" - Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and more recently, Chelsea - have threatened to win titles and trophies year after year. So, as it looks increasingly unlikely that we will see a new champion this season, it begs the question as to whether predictable winners are good for the Premier League?
Every year since its inception, promoters and commentators have tried to talk up each season as "the most open year yet" with "any number of clubs capable of winning the title". You'll hear that on cable television. You'll read it in your newspaper. Season previews have thrown teams like Newcastle United, Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa amongst potential challengers, regardless of their form from the previous year. I'm not sure whether analysts fear promoting the dominant oligopoly but some things never change: the Big Four always win. No matter how well other teams have recruited, they haven't had the firepower, depth or mental strength to wrestle the trophies from those who we expect to win them. Tottenham, after finishing 5th last season, was talked up as a potential top three team but have done nothing but disappoint. I think on paper their team had an outside hope of shifting the balance in power but let's be honest, were they ever really a chance?
Only four sides have won the Premier League in its fifteen years: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Blackburn (led by Alan Shearer in 1994/95, for those of you who have forgotten). And, though Liverpool haven't won a league title, they have dominated European and National Cup competitions, while finishing no lower than 5th since 1999. Supporters of the "Big Four" would hardly argue that their teams are too dominant and that their wealth and conquering of the smaller clubs is bad for the game in England. Arsenal supporters want nothing more than to finish in top spot, as far ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United as possible. The same goes for Chelsea, Red Devils and Liverpool fans.
The 2007/08 has had some twists and turns but few surprises. Arsenal who looked untroubled until a recent loss to Middlesborough and draw with Portsmouth, went into Christmas atop the Premier League table. Now that SIr Alex Ferguson's men have taken top spot they will be difficult to move. The Red Devils are hoping to win their second successive title, led this time by wunderkind Christian Ronaldo. Liverpool are an outside chance led by captain Gerrard, and the deadly strike tandem of Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt. Chelsea under Avram Grant have started to play their entertaining brand of football with a touch more intelligence. And, if star striker Andriy Shevchenko continues his current good form, who says they can't win their third title in four years?
Beyond Liverpool in fourth spot is fresh challengers, Manchester City, led by former England and Lazio manager Sven Goran Eriksson. They recruited well during pre-season after $38 million worth of spending due to an external takeover of sorts by UK Sports Investments Limited. Similar takeovers appear to be the only way that other clubs are going to compete, and, finally take it up to the Big Four. As good as City have been they still sit 10 points adrift of cross-city rivals United and are unlikely to mount a serious title challenge. Everton, Portsmouth and Aston Villa have also had valiant seasons but I guess someone has to finish 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th every year behind the usual suspects don't they?!
I have no doubt that due to the popularity of the Fifa Football game (on various Playstation, XBOX and Nintendo consoles), the success of the A-League and Australian Socceroos and the live cable television coverage by Fox Sports that interest in the English Premier League in Australia has never been higher. New fans are jumping on board all the time and not just here but across the globe. Unfortunately, new fans usually choose successful clubs. Clubs that have the big names and win the big games. Thus, the Big Four should continue to grow off-field, while they continue to dominate on it.
I personally don't have a problem with the oligopoly that rules in England. The Scottish League (SPL) is a two-horse race, won by either Rangers or Celtic every season, boring passive fans from around the world. While the Big Four continue their reign, the interest in the league will by no means dwindle, with off-field takeovers the key to others successes. With world-class internationals such as Torres, Shevchenko, Ballack, Fabregas and Ronaldo choosing to line-up alongside English stars Rooney, Gerrard, Terry, Carrick, Cole and Lampard, there is no better time to get vocal about the EPL.
I just warn you of one thing. If you do follow the English Premier League's smaller, less successful clubs, I guarantee you'll be bumping into a lot of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal supporters in the next few years, unless something changes soon.
Every year since its inception, promoters and commentators have tried to talk up each season as "the most open year yet" with "any number of clubs capable of winning the title". You'll hear that on cable television. You'll read it in your newspaper. Season previews have thrown teams like Newcastle United, Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa amongst potential challengers, regardless of their form from the previous year. I'm not sure whether analysts fear promoting the dominant oligopoly but some things never change: the Big Four always win. No matter how well other teams have recruited, they haven't had the firepower, depth or mental strength to wrestle the trophies from those who we expect to win them. Tottenham, after finishing 5th last season, was talked up as a potential top three team but have done nothing but disappoint. I think on paper their team had an outside hope of shifting the balance in power but let's be honest, were they ever really a chance?
Only four sides have won the Premier League in its fifteen years: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Blackburn (led by Alan Shearer in 1994/95, for those of you who have forgotten). And, though Liverpool haven't won a league title, they have dominated European and National Cup competitions, while finishing no lower than 5th since 1999. Supporters of the "Big Four" would hardly argue that their teams are too dominant and that their wealth and conquering of the smaller clubs is bad for the game in England. Arsenal supporters want nothing more than to finish in top spot, as far ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United as possible. The same goes for Chelsea, Red Devils and Liverpool fans.
The 2007/08 has had some twists and turns but few surprises. Arsenal who looked untroubled until a recent loss to Middlesborough and draw with Portsmouth, went into Christmas atop the Premier League table. Now that SIr Alex Ferguson's men have taken top spot they will be difficult to move. The Red Devils are hoping to win their second successive title, led this time by wunderkind Christian Ronaldo. Liverpool are an outside chance led by captain Gerrard, and the deadly strike tandem of Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt. Chelsea under Avram Grant have started to play their entertaining brand of football with a touch more intelligence. And, if star striker Andriy Shevchenko continues his current good form, who says they can't win their third title in four years?
Beyond Liverpool in fourth spot is fresh challengers, Manchester City, led by former England and Lazio manager Sven Goran Eriksson. They recruited well during pre-season after $38 million worth of spending due to an external takeover of sorts by UK Sports Investments Limited. Similar takeovers appear to be the only way that other clubs are going to compete, and, finally take it up to the Big Four. As good as City have been they still sit 10 points adrift of cross-city rivals United and are unlikely to mount a serious title challenge. Everton, Portsmouth and Aston Villa have also had valiant seasons but I guess someone has to finish 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th every year behind the usual suspects don't they?!
I have no doubt that due to the popularity of the Fifa Football game (on various Playstation, XBOX and Nintendo consoles), the success of the A-League and Australian Socceroos and the live cable television coverage by Fox Sports that interest in the English Premier League in Australia has never been higher. New fans are jumping on board all the time and not just here but across the globe. Unfortunately, new fans usually choose successful clubs. Clubs that have the big names and win the big games. Thus, the Big Four should continue to grow off-field, while they continue to dominate on it.
I personally don't have a problem with the oligopoly that rules in England. The Scottish League (SPL) is a two-horse race, won by either Rangers or Celtic every season, boring passive fans from around the world. While the Big Four continue their reign, the interest in the league will by no means dwindle, with off-field takeovers the key to others successes. With world-class internationals such as Torres, Shevchenko, Ballack, Fabregas and Ronaldo choosing to line-up alongside English stars Rooney, Gerrard, Terry, Carrick, Cole and Lampard, there is no better time to get vocal about the EPL.
I just warn you of one thing. If you do follow the English Premier League's smaller, less successful clubs, I guarantee you'll be bumping into a lot of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal supporters in the next few years, unless something changes soon.
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