Arsenal to sport away kit versus Tottenham: Here's why
In an unprecedented move, Arsenal will don their away kit for the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend. This marks the first time in 38 years that the team has been instructed to wear their alternate strip for this highly anticipated match. The last time Arsenal wore their away shirt against Spurs was during the 1985-86 season. Here are further details.
PGMOL directs Arsenal to wear away strip
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has directed Arsenal to wear their away strip for the upcoming match. This decision marks a significant departure from tradition in one of English football's most storied rivalries. Arsenal typically don their traditional red and white home kit when they travel to face their local rivals Spurs. However, the home shirt's design for the 2024-25 season has not been ratified by PGMOL to wear against their derby rivals.
Arsenal's current home shirt "features too much white"
According to PGMOL's assessment, Arsenal's current home shirt "features too much white" which could create visual confusion when Tottenham take the field in their usual white jerseys. Therefore, the PGMOL ruled that Arsenal must switch to their black away kit for the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Arsenal issue statement
"The PGMOL and Premier League ruled that our 2024-25 home kit features too much white, thus clashing with Tottenham's traditional colours, even with the option of red shorts and socks for us, which was also discussed," said Arsenal in a statement. "As a result, for the first time in recent 'NLD' history, we'll be wearing our change colours."
Arsenal and Tottenham in Premier League 2024-25
After three matches, Arsenal are fourth in the Premier League 2024-25 standings with seven points (W2 D1). Meanwhile, Tottenham have collected four points from their opening three matches and are placed 10th.
