Hughes: Big four no longer invincible

MARK HUGHES feels the air of invincibility surrounding the Preimer League’s established ‘big four’ has been stripped away this season.

Although his Manchester City side were not able to capitalise on defeats by Chelsea and Liverpool when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan last night, it is already clear the cash-rich Blues will mount a sustained assault on the Premier League’s established elite.

Third-placed Tottenham are also riding high, while Aston Villa will hope to go one better than last term, when they established a strong position onlt to throw it away in a dismal final 10 games.