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.

Such a disastrous finale is unlikely to happen again and Hughes senses that has led to a twitchiness amongst the high and mighty, which makes them even more vulnerable.

“There are some good teams in the Premier League this year,” said Hughes. “There is a focus on ourselves because we have the ambition to have a good season. But the fact there is a threat to the teams who have had those top four places is adding extra pressure.

“You just sense maybe that feeling of invincibility is no longer there. Other teams think they can take points off them.

“There are two or three teams who quietly think they can get into the top four.

“They don’t broadcast it so they keep themselves under the radar. We can’t help but be one of the teams people think should be in the top four.

“We have to deal with that anyway. I just think this year has the potential to be as open as it has ever been because the top four teams will drop points. That has been evident at the beginning of the season and I think it will continue. It is good for the Premier League.”

Hughes’ bullishness would have been enhanced had his side snaffled three points rather than one yesterday, although in the event he was happy with his side’s efforts in eking out a draw after Pablo Zabaleta’s second-half dismissal.

Hughes claimed the decision by referee Alan Wiley was “harsh’’ and claimed his side should have won a penalty as Wiley found himself at the centre of more controversy.

Hughes was unhappy that Wiley, who was described as “ unfit” by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson two weeks ago after being accused of failing to keep up with play, failed to point to the spot when Shaun Wright-Phillips was sent sprawling in the closing stages by Maynor Figueroa.

“I thought it was a nailed-on penalty but in fairness to Mr Wiley he was right on the spot and had kept up with play,’’ said Hughes, wryly. “As for the sending off I thought it was harsh.

“I thought it was a clash of knees for first booking. But if you’re on a yellow card then you have to be careful.’’

Wigan have now picked up four points in back-to-back home games with Chelsea and Manchester City.

But manager Roberto Martinez said he was disappointed not to pocket all three points against their north west rivals.

“Manchester City are an outstanding team with a fabulous group of players,” he said. “Our performance deserved the three points.”