Top 10 Arsenal kits in history

With the launch of the new Arsenal away kit earlier this week, it seems only right that this week’s Top 10 is all about my favourite kits through history. Naturally, this is my opinion, and so feel free to debate them in the comments section below.

10. 2008-10 (H)

A seriously underrated kit in my opinion. Whilst it maintained the classic red and white that we all love (and got rid of the golden stripes down the side of the previous kit), it also added a touch of burgundy, that sent us on a trip down memory lane, stopping off at 2006, before going all the way back to 1910’s.

Best moment – As much as I want to say Cesc Fabreagas’ solo effort against Tottenham, I regretfully have to admit that Samir Nasri’s goal against Porto was probably the best moment in this shirt…but it’s a close one.

9. 2010-11 (H)

Simple, but effective. Nothing fancy about this kit, just back to basics from Nike – apart from the new crest and the sponsors, this kit was almost identical to the one worn in 1960-61. This kit was unfortunately usurped by the 125^th anniversary kit, but it was still a cracker.

Best moment – It’s got to be the 2-1 defeat of Pep’s Barcelona side at The Emirates. We’d come close the season before, but this time we’d gotten the better of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and co.

8. 1997-98 (A)

Probably the ugliest kit to get on this list – but that’s what makes it so endearing! Yes, it’s the yellow and blue combination that has always been associated with Arsenal. But the yellow is just a little too mustardy, and the blue is too dark. It’s not necessarily a piece of design magic, but it’s definitely good enough.

Best moment – Kanu’s audacious backheel goal against Middlesbrough crossed my mind, but it’s got to go to Marc Overmars at Old Trafford swinging the title pendulum towards Highbury with a trademark burst of pace and finish against the imperious Peter Schmiechel.

7. 1998-99 (H)

I may be biased because this was the first kit I owned, but it’s just so pleasing on the eye. The dark blue stripes on the side are what made it for me, and they’re also partly why I like the 2012-14 home kit so much too.

Best moment – Bergkamp’s chip against Sheffield United in the League Cup still makes me salivate…mmm…

6. 1970-81 (H)

The daddy of all the Arsenal kits – it’s no surprise that so many Gooners young and old still wear this hallowed shirt. Once again, the simplicity of it is what makes it…the simplicity, and the memories.

Best moment – Liam Brady’s goal against Tottenham is rightly still remembered as one of the best goals ever scored by an Arsenal player. ‘Oh look at that! What a goal by Brady’ is still played at the beginning of every home match at The Emirates.

5. 2003-04 (A)

And now we enter the top Five. As I mentioned earlier, memories certainly help to make kits popular – whilst this is a classic yellow and blue strip (with a classy collar), what sets this kit apart is the success we had whilst wearing it. Let’s hope that we can emulate such glory with our very similar kit this year.

Best moment – It’s a close call, but it’s split three ways between Thierry Henry’s quick free kick vs. Aston Villa, Robert Pires’ golazo vs. Liverpool, or Martin Keown going mental at Ruud van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford. You choose.

4. 2005-06 (H)

Another controversial kit, although perhaps less so given the significance of it. A throwback to the first season at Highbury in 1913, Nike went for the redcurrant strip. The gold sponsor threw some people off it, as did the central badge, but in the end most people were won over and they grew to love the kit. I know I do.

Best moment – not necessarily one moment, but for me it’s the transformation of Cesc Fabregas from young potential to young superstar. If I had to choose one moment, it would be the performance against Juventus, against Patrick Vieira no less.

3. 1969-1976 (A)

Without this kit, we wouldn’t have the yellow and blue associations. The memories wouldn’t be the same, and we certainly wouldn’t have the away kit for the upcoming season. This yellow and blue masterpiece is once again simple, but effective.

Best moment – Charlie George lying on the hallowed Wembley turf. Does it get much better than that? Alan Sunderland may have something to say about that, mind you…

2. 2000-02 (H)

Probably not the greatest design the world has ever seen, but it’s certainly one of my favourites, if just for the achievements of the team wearing it. It was worn by the second of the double winning teams, and was worn with pride. Once again, I seem to have chosen a kit with a blue stripe down the side.

Best moment – Freddie Ljungberg’s goal in the F.A. Cup final was very special, but it doesn’t come anywhere near Bergkamp’s goal vs. Newcastle. Yes, that one.

1. 2002-04 (H)

What a kit, what team. The design was first tested out in the 2002 World Cup, where Brazil wore it to great effect. That’s not to say that Arsenal were the only ones to adopt the Nike design, far from it. But no-one else came remotely close to emulating the feats that the 2003-04 Arsenal side did. Will anyone match The Invincibles? I certainly hope not.

Best moment – too many to choose, so I’m going to be cheesy and say the moment when Patrick Vieira lifted the Premier League trophy at Highbury. Is Yours Gold?

(Actually, maybe Thierry Henry’s solo goal against Tottenham deserves a mention…)

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it – post your opinions below!