Arsenal release 2021-22 third kit

Arsenal officially released their third kit for the 2021-22 season today. The jersey design leaked over the summer, and we knew the pattern was going to be blue lightning, a throwback to the ‘94 and ‘95 kits with a smaller bolt pattern and added red for some flair. I didn’t like the strip when it first leaked, but it has grown on me. I’ll be picking one up.

And as we’ve come to expect with Arsenal x adidas kit releases, the video team knocked it out of the park. I loved the release video. If the Premier League winner was chosen based on video content, the Gunners would be looking at a three-peat this season.

There’s so much Proper Arsenal in there. Arsene Wenger building the Emirates. Dennis Bergkamp not flying. Sol Campbell’s switch from Spurs to the Gunners. The Helder and The Gervinho haircuts. Leah Williamson being at the club since she was 9. Ray Parlour missing the team bus in Amsterdam. Piebury Corner.

It’s tough to choose a favorite part but I think mine was Emile Smith Rowe saying, “Yeah, everybody around my way has heard of Len” cut to Thomas Partey, “Same.” The call out to the homegrown Gooner, Croydon born, and the London roots of the club transitioning effortlessly into the Ghana, global side. **chef’s kiss** People know Arsenal Football Club. Around the world.

Now, if I were a cynical man, I’d have a go at “belief” being the theme of the video because Arsenal are a bit far afield from the “title winning” days. But I’m not that guy. Instead, think of it this way. As time has gone on, football has become impersonal and corporate (see e.g. the Super League). This video is trying to remind us (and maybe the club, too) that Arsenal Football Club means something. That lifelong Gooners and Piebury Corner and the Clock End matter and are part of the fabric of the club.

C’mon Aaron, it’s a promo video. You don’t need to write a dissertation and detailed film critique about it. Maybe I don’t. But 1) the video was cool and I liked it and 2) it spoke to me about Proper Arsenal.

And I’m definitely going to need one of those Blue Lightning bucket hats.