Why Arsenal may not wear one new kit often, Mikel Arteta could repeat surprise decision

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Arsenal recently released their new away kit, and the third kit is set to follow soon before the start of the Premier League season.

Fans are divided over the new away kit, which is inspired by Arsenal’s African influence, and features mostly black colours with white, green and red lines.

The third kit will be released soon, and leaks suggest that it will come in bright blue and purple colours.

The away and third kits are not too dissimilar in tone to their equivalents two years ago. Arsenal and Adidas released two iconic kits, with a black and gold away kit which was worn often, and a pink strip which was hardly ever, but was popular amongst Arsenal fans.

It has now emerged that Mikel Arteta had a say in what kits Arsenal wore, which comes as a surprise, but this does explain the surprising decision over the third kits.

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Mikel Arteta has influence in Arsenal kit selections

The Athletic have now revealed that two years ago, Arteta’s preference was for the black away kit, which meant that the pink third kit was hardly ever worn.

“Arteta has even expressed preferences over what kit Arsenal wear on a matchday. He had a particular preference for the black away kit of 2022-23, as he liked the intimidating image it helped create,” a report claimed.

Arsenal’s pink kit was used just twice, on the opening day of the season in a victory over Crystal Palace, and in a 3-0 victory away at Bournemouth.

Arsenal fans loved this kit, as the memories associated with it are two dominant wins, which included an outrageous first goal for William Saliba.

The black kit was used much more, and featured in some incredible away performances, and Arteta’s preference came down to a belief that it was more intimidating for opposition players.

Arsenal may use away kit a lot more than third kit this season

Given the similar colour schemes on the kits this season, it seems unlikely that Arsenal’s third kit will be used by Arteta unless necessary as a result of a colour clash.

Arsenal’s dark away kit may be preferred by the Spaniard in the same way as the away kit two years ago, and any extra marginal gain will be welcomed.

Arteta has incorporated some bizarre methods into his coaching, and a detail as minor as the kit selection is clearly within his thinking. Whilst some Arsenal fans may prefer the aesthetics of the third kit this season, they should now be aware that it may not feature much.