Big Four to Average Six?

I remember the good old days (well 6-7 years ago anyway!) when the matches between Arsenal and Manchester United were always THE matches of the season. Apart from going along way to deciding the destination of the title they were always incident packed games that lived long in the memory.
Who can forget the infamous match at Old Trafford in 2003 where van Nistelrooy blasted a last minute penalty against the bar before being set upon by Keown and Parlour? Or a year later when United brought an end to Arsenal's record-breaking 49 match unbeaten run where pizza was allegedly thrown at Sir Alec? Or the tunnel incident involving Vieira and Keane at Highbury in 2005?
Of course there were many others in the period between 1998-2005 and I am sure you all have your own favourite memories from the matches that really encapsulated all that was great about the Premier League.
However last week at Old Trafford we saw the end of an era. Yes, the clubs are currently occupying the top two places in the Premier League, but that is where the similarities end. In short the game on Monday was awful. Two once great teams stripped of all the style and charisma that made these matches extra special. A drab game that was even lacking in controversy. The biggest talking points were probably Rooney missing a second half penalty and a total lack of attacking ideas from either side. Not exactly a glowing tribute to the game in this country was it?
Of course United won to reclaim top spot ahead of Arsenal, but if these two really are the best we have to offer then the game in this country has far greater problems then we first thought. Both suffered early Champions League exits last season and I can see a similar scenario again this time. Neither are in the same class as Barca, Real or Bayern, and Chelsea are not much better either. In fact if recent form is anything to go on then they are even worse, but I guess we will find out over the next week or so as their next two games are against...United and Arsenal!
Don't expect fireworks though. Be prepared for more dross where not losing is more important then trying to win, and all the managers involved will consider a draw a decent result. As much as I detest Mourinho and everything he stands for, at least he has some charisma and does try to win games by whatever means necessary.
So the 'Big Four' is no more and what are we left with? An 'Average Six?' The great players like Ronaldo, Henry, Alonso and Robben have all left and been replaced by the likes of Nani, Arshavin, Maxi Rodriguez and Anelka. Our league has gone from the best in the world to a pale shadow of its former glories and if you need further evidence of how far that decline has come then just watch a re-run of Monday nights game at Old Trafford...