The turn of the 21st century has seen incredible growth in the game of football, in popularity, access and exposure. The days of only being able to see a game by going to the ground has become less and less true as football grew within mainstream media.



Miles away from the days of the Heysel and Hillsborough disasters, when English football was associated with unrest and hooliganism, the 21st century has seen English league football grow into the best in the world.

Particular to this case, is the Premier League, a league which has grown in interest, revenue and popularity not only nationally but globally too. So far, in the 21st century, England’s top flight has reigned supreme against all others, and has evolved to fit with the schedules of the modern football fan.

Despite the development of the league, it's rise in television coverage and mainstream media attention, there were some aspects of the Premier League that did not change, particularly from 2003, the now popular term ‘top four’.

From 2003/04 until 2009, only Everton in 2005 broke the pattern that was known as the ‘top four’. A term now used for the sides who have qualified for the Champions League, it was originally coined for Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool to emphasise their dominance in the top four positions.

There was a time when it became inevitable that those four teams would prop up the table, something that remained the case until 2010 – bar Everton’s 2005 success – when Tottenham Hotspur took Liverpool’s place and finished fourth that season. Since then, Manchester City have taken that fourth space in the top four, whilst Tottenham even managed to make it again, this time at Chelsea’s expense, only to lose their Champions League status due to Chelsea’s Champions League victory that same year in 2012.

The point being made is that the turn of the decade has seen more competition from those below, and whereas three of the big four have remained there for the large part, the Premier League is becoming more and more competitive by the year.

Whereas fans of La Liga may enjoy an El Clasico or two, or seven depending on the luck of cup draws, the Spanish League – deemed England’s closest competitor – will only ever boast a two horse race. Even with Atletico Madrid’s great start to the campaign, and Real Madrid’s stuttering start, it will be a shock to many if it is not a Barcelona - Real Madrid one-two finish at the end of the campaign.

The beauty of this Premier League campaign however, is that everybody has a difference of opinion. So far, there has been no side that has stormed ahead of those around them. Something that previous seasons perhaps lacked to a certain degree.

Manchester saw a shift in managers, both from the blue and red sides of the city. Roberto Mancini, the man who had delivered that Premier League win in 2012, was swiftly dismissed for his shortcomings the year after, to be replaced by Chilean Manuel Pelligrini. Manchester United saw the end of an era, when Sir Alex Ferguson handed over the reins after nearly 27 years and 38 trophies, to Everton manager David Moyes.

Both sides, in transitional periods, have made stuttering starts, and both currently stand outside of the top four. Whereas other teams under new managers have fared better than those from Manchester.

Southampton, less than a year into Mauricio Pochettino’s reign at the club, has seen his side make an incredible start, conceding only three goals in their first nine games of the campaign. Everton, under David Moyes’ replacement, Roberto Martinez, have made a similarly impressive start to the campaign, buoyed by the form of loan signing Romelu Lukaku, the Toffees ended the last Premier League weekend in sixth, one place below the Saints.

Another new manager is Jose Mourinho, although new may be a choice word as he returned for a second stint at Chelsea in the summer. Returning with only Didier Drogba missing from his central spine from his first stint (Petr Cech, John Terry and Frank Lampard remain), he has recovered from a poor start to have his Chelsea side sitting well in second as they go for Premier League glory, something only achieved once since he left the club, in 2009/10 under Carlo Ancelotti.

Second seasons in charge for Brendan Rodgers and Andre Villas-Boas, at Liverpool and Tottenham respectively, have seen developments for both sides. Liverpool now appear comfortable under Rodger’s preferred style of play, and have been improved by strong recruitment and retaining the services of Luis Suarez, a player who’s personal actions may be disapproved, but a player who can win a game almost single handedly.

Spurs have recouped the world-record transfer fee of Gareth Bale’s move to Real Madrid to create a squad that once settled, could climb to the very top. Narrow wins have been the tale of the tape so far for Villas-Boas’ side, although this will be a welcome fact for Spurs, that they are still right in the mix despite not hitting top gear.

The man at the top as things stand right now, is the new grandfather of the Premier League, Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal side, who, so far, have shown signs that they are coming of age. Mesut Ozil could be the piece of the puzzle that elevates them back to genuine title contenders, alongside the returning Mathieu Flamini in the much needed anchoring role.

The Premier League this season will offer more shocks and twists from now until May, not only from the top but the bottom as well. Hull and Cardiff’s starts have seen big results and performances, but they are yet to be asked their biggest questions, whereas Crystal Palace appear to be the only mutual choice for relegation so soon into the season. Although, their next managerial choice could have a massive say on where their destiny lies.

However, fortunes can change quickly in the league. Looking at West Brom, a side who enjoyed a fantastic season last year under Steve Clarke appeared to be set for a struggle after a slow start, but they have since found their form, including a huge 2-1 over Manchester United in September, to find themselves nicely in mid-table.

The years of when you can foresee teams fortunes on paper have seemingly been thrown out of the window this season, and although the season could shape into business as usual, the start has done much to suggest that this is not going to be the case.

For teams at the top though, many will see this as the year to stake their claim, with managerial changes at the Champions and runners-up. Those a year wiser, or witnessing the second-coming, or looking to be coming of age will be looking to capitalise. It really is anyone’s guess as to how this season is going to pan out.

The first decade of the 21st century may have had its sense of predictability despite its huge growth. The second decade however, has seen other teams wanting their day in the limelight, and this season could very well be the year we see a sixth Premier League champion crowned.

Whether that will be the case, is up for even more indecisive discussion.