Spurs and Everton making it a “big 6″ ?

Watch any UK Sports channel, read any newspaper and talk football with any Premier League fan and talk of the “BIG 4″ will not be far away. I however would like to challenge the “BIG 4″ theory and suggest in recent years this has become more like the “BIG 6″. This season has seen Liverpool, the weakest of the so-called “BIG 4″ stutter and stammer, with their local foe Everton breathing down their necks. Arsenal have in recent memory been pushed all of the way in the Premier League for 4th spot, only for some dodgy lasagne to scupper Tottenham’s plans to gatecrash the Champions League. This season after two successive 5th place finishes and massive talk of a surge in to the elite this season, Spurs have flattered to deceive. Martin Jol’s public humiliation and replacement with Spaniard, Juande Ramos has however seen Tottenham revitalised in recent months, scaring Man Utd and slaying Arsenal 5-1. Whereas Spurs have left themelves too much to do this year, Everton have gone from strength to strength and look the most likely of the chasing pack to take a Champions League qualification spot away from Liverpool.

Looking back at the FA Cup since 1989, where Man Yoo (6), Arsenal (5), Chelsea (3) and Liverpool (4) have dominated the competition, only Tottenham (1991) and Everton (1994) have been able to steal The Cup away. The Carling Cup in more recent years has shared such a trend with Man Yoo and Chelsea for the main part taking the trophy home. However since 1999 Spurs have reached three finals, winning two (1999 & 2008) and losing one (2002). 2008 has brought with it a possible changing of the guard. Sunday’s epic Carling cup final witnessed a Tottenham team finally come of age, after contributions from great January additions in Alan Hutton and match winner Jonathan Woodgate. But whilst Spurs celebrate an impressive cup win against one of the “untouchables” of the EPL, Everton once again will really be fancying their chances of a Champions League spot. Monday night saw a 2-0 demolition of fellow Champions League aspiring side, Sven Goran Erikkson’s Man City by David Moyes Everton side who have a forward in 16 goal man, Yakubu, capable of unsettling any defence. Moyes may well be the best young British manager around, with signings such as Yakubu, Lescott, Johnson, Howard, Cahill and Arteta creating a formidable core of the side.

Come May, it is more likely we will see a top four consisting of the “BIG 4″, but it is hard to see Everton finishing lower than 5th. Next season do not be surpised to see my “BIG 6″ finish in the top 6 premier league places, but also do not be surprised to see either Tottenham or Everton push one or two of these teams in to the UEFA Cup spots.