Mikel Arteta sends stark warning to Manchester United and the rest of the ‘Big Six’

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes the traditional Premier League ‘Big Six’ is a thing of the past, as clubs like Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest continue to disrupt the long-standing hierarchy of English football.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle on Sunday, Arteta reflected on the league’s shifting power dynamics. With Liverpool and Arsenal battling for the title and Manchester City and Chelsea fighting for Champions League qualification, clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have tumbled down the table, currently sitting in 16th and 17th place respectively.

When asked if the days of the conventional ‘Big Six’ dominance are over, Arteta responded: “I think so. The level has gone to something bigger than what we experienced in the previous 12 months, last season and past experience.”

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He added: “I know a lot of the coaches and we’ve had discussions about it — it’s frightening how it’s evolving. The competitiveness, the difficulty to win… the margins for success in the Premier League are incredible. Next season will be even more difficult.”

Arsenal, currently second in the table, are just two points ahead of third-placed Newcastle. The Magpies have already beaten the Gunners three times this season, including a Carabao Cup semi-final victory, and Arteta is full of praise for the progress made by Eddie Howe’s side.

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“They’ve certainly built the squad. They have the quality and a very clear identity,” said the Spaniard. “Whether they’ll be title contenders depends on whether they’re playing in Europe or not, because playing once a week or three times a week makes a huge difference. We’ve all felt that.”

Arteta highlighted Newcastle’s tactical versatility and adaptability as a key strength: “They dominate almost every aspect of the game. Whether it’s breaking down a low block, set-pieces, transitions, or physical battles — they’re ready for it all.

“The way they compete, they’re smart and they try to take advantage of situations like any good team. In this league, to stay at the top, you have to dominate many aspects — even if you’re not currently leading the table.”

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