Review:
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Just in time for the first English Premier League match of the season and the initial leg of the Champions League playoff, I received the new 2011/2012 Arsenal home jersey!
This year, Arsenal celebrate its 125th club anniversary and are sporting the slogan “1886 – 2011 Forward” incorporated into its kit logo. This home jersey is fitting for the celebration of 125 years of tradition as it showcases the proud red body and white shirt sleeves so famously known as the proud Arsenal home kit.
Along with the traditional colours we find the ‘other’ hallmark logos of today’s Premier League jerseys…the club sponsor, Emirates Airline, is splashed across the midriff in bold font, meanwhile the jersey’s manufacturer, Nike has its emblem emblazoned over the right chest.
However, if your bullish about the standard Arsenal logo patch design, you may be disappointed here because the team shield is represented by the special ‘125th’ anniversary logo as a screenprint, instead of the embroidered patch of last season.
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The jersey can be ordered with or without name, number and patches, however I think these add to the authenticity and certainly the look. The EPL patch is commonly seen on all teams and is a nice touch, albeit the quality seems a little more like an ‘iron on’. I really hope it won’t begin to come apart! The name and number are presented in a straight forward sans-serif font. All numerals sport the regal lion familiar to the English Premier League.
My jersey arrived with my favourite player’s name and number on the back: v. Persie #10, the new Arsenal Captain for the 2011/2012 campaign! I can assure you, he will not be slowed down by the weight of the jersey due to it being one of the lightest “Nike Dri-fit” jerseys that I have experienced yet. The weight of the material is a signature of the Nike performance line which is also known for its perspiration ‘wicking’ capabilities, enabling the footballer to maintain dryness and comfort.
The shirt’s design is obviously ‘functional’ like any footballer’s uniform should be, but the smart design incorporates a lower yoke which runs across the back of the shoulder blades, making for a broader look from behind. This stitching also serves as a great underscore for the club name found just below the collar, screened in bold print.
As mentioned, these jerseys are manufactured by Nike, therefore they carry the familiar embroidered Swoosh, an embroidered ‘DRI-FIT’ on the bottom right and ‘Authentic’ patch with official number above the bottom left hem.
This jersey fit is true to the manufacturer’s sizing code and is sure to please the most ardent and tradition loving fan of North London’s ‘Gunners’.
Reviewed by Robert Glavind