Arsenal Nike 2012/13 Home Kit

Currently in third place in the English Premier League, Arsenal FC have unveiled their much-anticipated Nike 2012/13 home kit. It will be available at the World Soccer Shop and Subside Sports Arsenal FC stores.

According to the Gunners website:…the playing kit features a blue hoop detail inspired by the home kit socks worn in the 1930s under legendary manager Herbert Chapman.

As is traditional with the north London club, the world renowned red and white is the main colour way in the shirt, with a block red body and white sleeves.

Further details in the shirt include the outer back neck graphic which references the WM formation that Chapman pioneered so successfully, along with the inner back graphic which reads “Victoria, Concordia, Crescit” — the Club’s long-held motto since 1948 which translates as Victory through Harmony*.

The origins of the blue (obsidian) design features lie in Chapman’s innovative approach to the game. Arsenal manager between 1925 and 1934, his guidance took the Club to three league titles and an FA cup victory during that time.

Chapman was a modernising tactician, advocated the use of numbered shirts and white balls, and also made significant changes to the Club’s kit for the 1933/34 season. In that year white sleeves were added to the previously all-red shirt and blue hoops were also introduced to the socks.

Chapman’s rationale for these innovations was he wanted to maximise player visibility, making it easier for his players to pick each other out on the field of play.

Arsenal’s Theo Walcott commented: “The players always get excited about trying on kits for the first time, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Arsenal is a club with an incredible history and to see this recognised in such a classy and modern kit is brilliant.”

The shirt’s crest reverts back to Arsenal’s primary design, having sported a unique 125th anniversary version for the 2011/12 season.

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