Arsenal have been forced into an unprecedented kit decision for the North London derby this weekend, the club have confirmed.
The Gunners are set to play against Spurs away on Sunday, aiming for their third consecutive win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, unlike before, Arsenal won’t be wearing their usual colors. The PGMOL has determined that Arsenal’s kit has too much white, which clashes with Spurs’ home kit. Although there were discussions about switching to red shorts and socks, Arsenal has confirmed they will wear their new black away kit instead. Similarly, Spurs will need to wear their away kit when they visit the Emirates Stadium in January.
Arsenal’s statement noted: “This season’s north London derbies will have the same excitement and intensity, but with a different appearance. Both teams will wear their away kits this season because the PGMOL and Premier League have decided that Arsenal’s 2024/25 home kit, with its significant amount of white, conflicts with Tottenham’s traditional colors. As a result, we will debut our black adidas away kit at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as we strive for our third straight win there.”
The black away kit, featuring accents of green, red, and white, was first worn in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on August 24. Arsenal haven’t used an away kit in a North London derby since the 1985/86 season, when they wore a yellow shirt with navy shorts.
For the upcoming match, Mikel Arteta’s team may be missing several key players due to injuries and suspensions. Declan Rice is suspended following his red card against Brighton, and captain Martin Ødegaard, who suffered an ankle injury while playing for Norway against Austria, had to leave the field in tears.