1991–93 Arsenal Away Shirt – Authentication Guide
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Shirt Overview
Team: Arsenal
Season: 1991–93
Type: Away
Manufacturer: Adidas
Primary Colour: Yellow with navy ‘bruised banana’ graphic
Notable Match: Liverpool vs. Arsenal (1991–92), various away games in Division One
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Key Authentication Features
Pattern: The iconic “bruised banana” sublimated design—featuring sharp navy zigzag arrows on a yellow base. Look for clear edges and slight variation in print alignment between shirts.
Crest: Woven Arsenal crest with cannon and ‘Forward’ scroll beneath. Should be fully stitched with layered thread.
Adidas Trefoil: Embroidered red Trefoil logo, not printed. Spacing and shape must be consistent with other early 90s Adidas shirts.
Sponsor: JVC sponsor applied in red with white shadow. Original versions have a soft felt finish, not plastic.
Collar: Navy and red tipped v-neck with yellow base. Ribbed texture and thickness should be present.
Inner Label: Adidas size tag with blue stripes and font style specific to the early ’90s.
Back: Plain yellow with continuation of graphic pattern—no player names or numbers unless match-issued.
Material: 100% polyester with a soft, slightly shiny texture. Should be breathable with no mesh panels.
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Player Info
1991–93 Arsenal Squad Highlights
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| David Seaman | Goalkeeper |
| Tony Adams | Defender |
| Lee Dixon | Defender |
| Nigel Winterburn | Defender |
| Steve Bould | Defender |
| Andy Linighan | Defender |
| Paul Merson | Midfielder |
| David Rocastle | Midfielder |
| Michael Thomas | Midfielder |
| Kevin Campbell | Forward |
| Alan Smith | Forward |
| Ian Wright | Forward (joined in 1991) |
| Ray Parlour | Midfielder |
| John Jensen | Midfielder (from 1992–93) |
| Coach: George Graham |
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Season Summary
Arsenal’s 1991–93 away shirt is one of the most recognisable and divisive kits in English football history. While results on the pitch were mixed, the shirt became iconic due to its radical design and association with George Graham’s disciplined but effective side. Ian Wright made his debut during this era and quickly became a cult hero.
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Final Notes
Common fake indicators include printed Adidas logos, flat crest embroidery, and off-colour zigzag patterns (some fakes are more orange or grey). Felt JVC sponsors are often replaced by plastic ones in reproductions. Always inspect the stitching and fabric weave for authenticity.
This post is part of Shirtchecker.com’s mission to help collectors visually authenticate shirts and avoid buying fakes.
