Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are collectively known as the “Big Six” in the Premier League. Their status as the biggest clubs in the top flight of English football comes from consistent finishes in the first six European places of the Premier League table.
However, historically speaking, the actual “Big Six” in terms of the number of top 6 finishes is quite different, with some surprise inclusions for the casual viewer.
Here are the redefined “Big Six” in terms of numbers of top 6 finishes:
6. Tottenham Hotspur – 36
We kick off the list with Spurs, who finished sixth last season, barely making it into the Europa League qualifying stages under Jose Mourinho’s inaugural reign. Many of Spurs’ top 6 finishes have come after the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as a manager, and under Mourinho, things can only get better. Especially with the current form on display.
5. Everton – 45
Before Leicester managed to pull off the heist of the Premier League era from barely finishing in the top 10 to winning the Premier League in the 2015/16 season, Everton were the team always left out of the discussion of the top six teams in the Premier League despite regularly finishing high up in the table. Under new manager, Carlo Ancelotti things look very different for the Toffees who currently sit at the top of the table on the back of very impressive performances in the opening few weeks.
4. Aston Villa – 45
Before the Premier League era, Aston Villa were one of the best clubs in England. Consider this, they have more European trophies than Manchester City and Arsenal combined. And that really says something about the once-mighty Aston Villa, who are a shadow of the club they once were.
3. Manchester United – 58
It is extremely hard to remember a time when Manchester United were not a top club in England. They are the most successful club in the country and some would be surprised that they do not top the list despite their ever-increasing list of honours. All the way the current state of United is not a fair reflection of their former stature, few can doubt the glory of the Red Devils.
2. Arsenal – 60
Arsenal are one of the oldest clubs in England and are right up there in terms of the most successful clubs in the country. Last season marked the first time the Gunners finished outside the top 6 in over 25 years. Although they are far away from the Invincible that they once were, Arsenal are once again a promising team and could be competing for the title in the years to come.
1. Liverpool – 63
The reigning Premier League champions have finished in the top six in 22 of the 28 editions of the Premier League. Considering that they have spent 115 years in the top flight of English football Liverpool are one of the most consistent teams in terms of finishing in the top of the table, and under Jurgen Klopp, things look unlikely to change for the Merseyside club.
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