The purpose of this post is to provide verified reference images and squad context for collectors looking to authenticate the Arsenal 1988–91 away shirt. This guide ensures you can compare your shirt against confirmed originals from the era, with squad and season information to match.
Arsenal 1988–91 Away Shirt – Authentication Guide
Shirt Overview
- Team: Arsenal FC
- Seasons: 1988–1991
- Type: Away Shirt
- Manufacturer: Adidas
- Main Colours: Yellow body with navy sleeves and trim
- Competition Use: First Division, domestic cups
- Retail Release: 1988
- Available Versions: Short sleeve only, adult and youth sizes
Design Features
- Bright yellow body with tonal jacquard pattern (alternating cannons and trefoils)
- Raglan-cut navy blue sleeves with yellow Adidas three-stripe trim
- Black printed cannon crest with “AFC” initials
- Black printed Adidas trefoil on the right chest
- Felt JVC sponsor in navy with red shadow outline
- Red and navy trim around the V-neck collar
- Inner size label (e.g. “36–38”) marked “Made in UK”
- Lightweight polyester with a light sheen and distinct woven texture
Player Info
Full Arsenal First-Team Squad (1988–91)
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| John Lukic | Goalkeeper |
| David Seaman | Goalkeeper |
| Alan Miller | Goalkeeper |
| Tony Adams (C) | Defender |
| David O’Leary | Defender |
| Nigel Winterburn | Defender |
| Lee Dixon | Defender |
| Steve Bould | Defender |
| Gus Caesar | Defender |
| Andy Linighan | Defender |
| Michael Thomas | Midfielder |
| Paul Davis | Midfielder |
| Kevin Richardson | Midfielder |
| Brian Marwood | Midfielder |
| Perry Groves | Midfielder |
| David Rocastle † | Midfielder |
| Anders Limpar | Midfielder |
| Paul Merson | Forward |
| Alan Smith | Forward |
| Niall Quinn | Forward |
| Martin Hayes | Forward |
| Ian Wright | Forward (joined 1991) |
| Rhys Wilmot | Goalkeeper |
Season Summary
This shirt became a cult favourite during the 1988–89 title-winning season, most famously worn in the last match of the campaign — the 2–0 win at Anfield. It continued through the 1989–90 season and was still worn early in the 1990–91 First Division title run under George Graham. Though later replaced by the bruised banana, it remains a treasured part of Arsenal shirt history.
Final Notes
Shirtchecker.com exists to help collectors visually authenticate shirts from all eras. For this shirt, key things to check include the texture and tone of the jacquard pattern, the cannon crest’s shape and placement, and the quality of the JVC print. Comparing labels, sleeve structure, and printing alignment will assist in verifying authenticity.
