I don’t think Arsenal are seen as a big club today purely because of 1997-2004 though. Arsenal were a genuine powerhouse in English football 100 years ago. They’ve won a title in every decade bar like 2? since the 1930s. They were one of the main reasons why London football developed from district level leagues to being an attractive proposition for the established football league to adopt. They were the most successful team in England until 1970. Arsenals former chairman David Dein was the leading figure for “the Big 5” when the FA was initially approached for development of the PL format.
It isn’t ego that makes Arsenal a big club, it’s genuine history.
I don’t think Arsenal are seen as a big club today purely because of 1997-2004 though. Arsenal were a genuine powerhouse in English football 100 years ago. They’ve won a title in every decade bar like 2? since the 1930s. They were one of the main reasons why London football developed from district level leagues to being an attractive proposition for the established football league to adopt. They were the most successful team in England until 1970. Arsenals former chairman David Dein was the leading figure for “the Big 5” when the FA was initially approached for development of the PL format.
It isn’t ego that makes Arsenal a big club, it’s genuine history.