Why is Arsenal F.C so popular?

Arsenal are the club that each of us criticize for their recent lack of success but secretly
aspire to be.

They're the club that has always been based on a philosophy of good, positive, attacking
football. Since I've started watching football, I've been a supporter of Manchester United
but I've always been envious of our biggest rivals from London because of the aesthetics
of their play and the positive intent in their team.

Arsenal, in many ways, is Arsene Wenger. He has stuck to his philosophies ever since he
took over the club. He has given a lot of impetus to youngsters coming up from the
academy, he has brought in foreigners into the game to make it even more beautiful, he
has more often than not gone with positive football before positive results. It might have
cost him and his team a lot of the success that they could have had in the last few years,
but boy oh boy, you want to be a part of such a club don't you? They stand for
something and stick by it. That's as good as it can get for me.

Their board has stuck with Arsene through thick and thin, when many a Premier League
manager has faced the axe, season after season, for failing ridiculously high expectations.
That's another commendable thing about this club. Who does that anymore? He's the
longest serving manager in the Premier League currently and by far.

Lastly, a mention also for the great fans of the football club. In my experience in dealing
with fans here in India of clubs from all across Europe, I have found those of Arsenal to
be the most sensible and football-aware fans of all. They know what they're talking
about, don't resort to silliness and support their club for the love of the club and the love
of football equally. They're a really good lot to talk to, football or not football.

As a United fan of more than 10 years, Arsenal is the only other club in the Premier
League I choose to respect and admire both, with all my heart, no matter what our
traditions say. I don't think I can say anything more to make a case for the Gunners
being so popular.

P.S. - This answer is not to put down other clubs but to highlight my respect and
admiration for Arsenal. Please don't take offence or get into silly fights in the comments.
There is no negative intent.

P.P.S. - I have written this while watching the Arsenal - Villa FA Cup 2015 Final. No, I'm
not rooting for either of the two, just want to enjoy the game! :)