Why Arsenal are wearing their away kit against Tottenham in north London derby

Arsenal are wearing their away kit against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby for the first time in the Premier League era.

Ahead of the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it was ruled that Arsenal’s 2024-25 home kit includes too much white, with the back and side of the shirt blending into the white shorts, and therefore clashing with Spurs’ traditional home colours.

The Premier League’s rule M.22 states that clubs “shall wear a strip that differs visibly from and contrasts with one another” for each match.

Arsenal’s away kit has been deemed to provide sufficient contrast and they have therefore been asked to change.

A change would still have been required if Arsenal had proposed wearing red shorts and socks, an option that was also discussed.

It’s the first time in modern history that Arsenal have worn their change colours in a north London derby.

Tottenham will also sport their away kit for the reverse fixture at Emirates Stadium in January. Spurs’ away kit is light blue and takes inspiration from the club’s away kits from the 1980s.

Arsenal’s black away kit this term was designed to celebrate what the club describe as “the rich and well-established connection the club has to the African diaspora in north London beyond”.

It was worn for the 2-0 away win over Aston Villa last month.

(Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)