So hear me out, the current top 10 clubs in the Premier League should be considered a "big 10". So the general rule for a club to be considered a part of "big x" they have to be:
- Big club - a big fanbase and history
- Financial strength - ability to spend a lot to buy playera
- Pull factor - playera wanting to join the club just becuse of the club name
- Consistent success
Now there is no doubt why the "big 6" is part of this "big 10".
Now Aston Villa, Newcastle are big clubs, spend a lot, pull players from big clubs from other leagues and have had consistent good results in last 2 season.
West Ham is a big club, with consistent results (apart from last season). However, they have less pull factor and less financial strength from clubs listed above. But, I believe that their ability is in these categories is still better than bottom 10 clubs so that's why they should still be considered part of "big 10".
Brighton is the only highly questionable. They have results and relative financial strength. However, they have almost no pull factor and aren't a big club. But if their results continue to be good they will start to become a big club and gain a pull factor.
That's why I believe Arsenal, Liverpool, City, Tottenham, Spurs, United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Brighton and West Ham are part of "Big 10". What do you think?
You need to include in the general rule that they are consistently qualifying for champs league and sometimes push for the title. It’s more about at the start of the season who has a realistic shot of winning or challenging for the title.
Your definitions would include everyone from the premier league. They spend massively compared to any other league. If you look at France and Germany you say there’s 1 or 2 ‘big clubs’ each. Even some of those qualifying for champs league regularly aren’t big clubs compared to the big six.
West ham, Aston Villa, Brighton, etc etc aren’t ‘big clubs’ in the ‘big 6’ sense as they are still ultimately feeders to those higher.
The point of describing a ‘big 6’ can be looked at with the super league. There’s financial reasons why they - and not others - were invited and discussed it.