The Arsenal 2005/06 home jersey, especially the long-sleeve version, holds a special place in the club's history. This jersey marked the last season Arsenal played at the historic Highbury Stadium. Here are the key features and highlights of the jersey:
Design and Colors
Primary Color: The jersey is primarily red, a traditional color for Arsenal.
Logos and Badges
Club Crest: The Arsenal crest is prominently displayed on the left chest. This version of the crest includes the iconic cannon and was updated to a more modern look in 2002.
Sponsor: The front of the jersey features the logo of O2, the club's main sponsor at the time, in white lettering.
Manufacturer: The right chest has the Nike swoosh, the kit manufacturer, also in white.
Special Features
Highbury 1913-2006 Tribute: To commemorate the final season at Highbury, the jersey has special inscriptions. "HIGHBURY 1913-2006" is embroidered under the club crest, celebrating the years the club spent at the stadium.
Gold Accents: Some versions of the jersey feature subtle gold accents around the collar and the cuffs, adding a touch of elegance and marking the significance of the season.
Material and Comfort
Fabric: Made with Nike's advanced fabric technology of the time, designed to provide comfort and wick away sweat, keeping players dry during matches.
Fit: The long sleeves and tailored fit ensured that players could move comfortably while maintaining a sleek appearance on the field.
Historical Significance
Final Highbury Season: This jersey is particularly iconic because it represents the end of an era at Highbury. Arsenal moved to the Emirates Stadium the following season.
Memorable Matches: The team wore this jersey during a significant campaign, including their journey to the Champions League final, which they unfortunately lost to Barcelona.
The 2005/06 long-sleeve home jersey is cherished by fans not just for its design but for its emotional connection to a pivotal season in Arsenal's history