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ENGLAND - Since the Premier League's inception, a handful of teams have established residence in the top four positions of the standings. Sure, there has been the odd intruder who rents a spot for a season, but for the most part, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have made it their priority to keep the riffraff out.
But 2012 could very likely see a change in neighbors in the top-four community. Long time residents, Arsenal and Chelsea have yet to establish the consistency that has made them perennial Champions League sure bets. Liverpool, who some believe to be on the decline, are a long way from the form that helped them upset AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final. Even the mighty Red Devils of Manchester United are finding the going tough, as their generally smooth sailing towards the premier league crown has been marred with some choppy spells.
So who are these rabble rousers causing all the problems in Arsenal's, Chelsea's, and Man United's usually quiet neighborhood?
Manchester City
Current table toppers Manchester City have bought their way into the upscale surroundings of the league's elite, spending lavishly on some of the best players in the world. The investment has paid off so far as the Sky Blues looked awesome in the first half of the season. With convincing wins over Arsenal and rivals Man. Utd., Roberto Mancini's men lead the league in scoring and points earned.
Tottenham Hotspur
Surprise side Tottenham Hotspur are the current darlings of the top four, playing some of the most attractive football in the league with a side built on a budget. Manager (and favorite to land the England job at summer's end) Harry Redknapp has assembled a team that has only lost three times all season, one of which was considerably controversial. Spurs, comfortably nested in third, are a mere three points behind Manchester United with a game in hand due to their first game of the season being postponed during to the London riots. Tottenham could pull even with Man. United by winning that make-up game with Everton next Wednesday.
Newcastle United
On the outside peeking over the gates is this year's Cinderella story, Newcastle United. The Magpies started the season off very strong, but have since had a case of the up and downs. Their most recent up came on Wednesday when they thrashed Manchester United 3-0. It's doubtful the Geordies will be able to land a spot in the top four at season's end, but they're currently giving the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool a reason to look over their shoulders.
With the second half of the season just underway, many pundits still believe the so-called "top four" will reestablish their footing in the top-four territory and once again claim their annual tickets to the Champions League. However, 2012 could see a trio of intruders shake up the neighborhood and force the regular inhabitants out of their comfy dwellings.
News10/KXTV