Arsenal to Wear Away Kit in North London Derby for the First Time in 38 Years
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal will don their away kit in Sunday’s highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. This decision comes after their traditional red-and-white home shirt was deemed to clash with Tottenham’s colors, according to the referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). This will be the first time in 38 years that Arsenal will wear their away kit in the derby, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already heated rivalry.
The PGMOL ruled that Arsenal’s home shirt “features too much white,” which led to the decision to wear their black away strip. The option of pairing the home shirt with red shorts and socks was discussed but not agreed upon. As a result, both teams will be wearing their away kits for this fixture. This ruling also means that when Tottenham visits Emirates Stadium for the reverse fixture in January, they will also be wearing their away kit.
Arsenal expressed their disappointment with the decision, stating, “The PGMOL and Premier League ruled that our 2024-25 home kit features too much white, thus clashing with Tottenham’s traditional colors, even with the option of red shorts and socks for us, which was also discussed.” This unexpected change in attire adds an interesting twist to the match and showcases the importance of maintaining distinct and recognizable team colors.
The last time Arsenal wore their away kit in the north London derby was during the 1985-86 season, making this a significant deviation from the norm. It is a testament to the significance of this fixture and the desire to ensure that both teams are easily distinguishable on the field. The decision highlights the importance of color contrast in football matches and the efforts made to avoid any potential confusion.
Beyond the kit controversy, Sunday’s north London derby promises to be an exciting clash between two fierce rivals. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side currently sits fourth in the Premier League with seven points from their opening three games, while Tottenham is in 10th place with four points. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory and claim bragging rights in this iconic derby.
The recent history of the fixture favors Arsenal, as they have emerged victorious in their past two visits to Tottenham’s home ground. However, in a derby, form often goes out the window, and anything can happen. The change in kit colors adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the match, making it even more intriguing for fans and neutrals alike.
As the north London derby approaches, football fans around the world eagerly await the clash between Arsenal and Tottenham. The decision to wear their away kit for the first time in 38 years adds an element of surprise and novelty to the fixture. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and traditions that make football rivalries so special.
In conclusion, the north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will see a significant change in Arsenal’s usual attire. The decision to wear their away kit for the first time in 38 years adds an exciting twist to this highly anticipated fixture. Despite the controversy surrounding the kit clash, both teams are sure to deliver an intense and fiercely contested match. Football fans should mark their calendars for Sunday’s showdown, as this north London derby promises to be a spectacle not to be missed.