Because of name and international fanbase I suppose, meaning that income follows investment and players want to come and stayI mean why do Man City or Chelsea get millions thrown at them and become two of the biggest sides on the world, but it doesn't seem to work long-term at other clubs.
History, if an illustrious one and especially in modern times, does make a massive difference.
In 55 years, Spurs have have never won the league or European Cup (ever), sporadically winning a league cup or further back FAC's. They've rarely played in the CL and their ground has held just 36,000 for 20 years.
Liverpool have won a whole lot more including the ultimate in 2005, but never the PL.
Arsenal in 12 years just three FACups.
Despite those trophy setbacks, all three are established as major to massive clubs and will never lose that. Huge stadia being expanded or large already, media exposure and millions of followers worldwide.
Man City and Chelsea 20 years ago were trundling along at a level below that, with occasional relegations. Then new wealthy owners brought in top European managers and name players, then up another level on wages/fees to jump ahead of all the clubs above them. They too are now part of the elite.
Clubs like Leicester and Brighton are also based in much smaller cities.
