Get a grip. 99% of them don’t support Arsenal because they played in Woolwich for a few years in the 1890s, it’s because they glory hunted them in the 90s and 2000s.
You’re acting like generations of SE London families sat around preserving ancient Woolwich Arsenal heritage for a century. Reality is most of the explosion in Arsenal fans came during the Graham/Wenger eras when they were winning titles and dominating TV coverage. Same reason Manure exploded nationally in the 90s. Success attracts plastics.
And that’s fine, every massive club has them. But don’t pretend little Archie from Bromley with an Arsenal duvet, who’s been to the Emirates once for a pre season friendly and calls Millwall or Charlton fans “common”, is carrying on some sacred South London football lineage from 1893.
Supporting your local side when they’re struggling, when tickets are easy to get but trophies aren’t, is what being a proper fan is about. Following one of the richest, most marketed clubs on earth because they’re successful and fashionable is a completely different thing.
Let’s be honest, watching a load of lifelong South London and Surrey residents suddenly losing their heads over an Arsenal title despite barely, if ever going to games and having no connection to North London whatsoever is complete cringe. It’s football fandom as a fashion accessory rather than actually supporting a club.