Because the year pre VAR (the previous highest) there wasa season average of 38k per match for the prem... Last season it was 39k ...
However, Tottenham have increased capacity by 20k per home match and , Huddersfield, West Brom, Swansea and Watford have all been replaced by much bigger supported clubs in Aston Villa, Leeds, Nots Forest and Wolves.
The overall ground capacity has risen by 44k per week but attendance by less than 1k. Grounds are therefore less full with bigger supported clubs in the league..