Why Arsenal are wearing black for the North London Derby?

Arsenal duo Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz embrace after their victory at Villa Park in August
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal won't be able to wear their home kit for Sunday's derby at Tottenham.

One of the Premier League's biggest fixtures sees the red half of North London face off against the white half, with both sides normally wearing their traditional colours, regardless of which team is playing at home. 

But that won't the case this time around with Mikel Arteta's side having to wear their black away strip for the trip to Seven Sisters. It will mean a different look to one of the league's most iconic fixtures.

VIDEO: How Lee Carsley Has ALREADY Fixed England

Why do Arsenal have to wear black against Tottenham?

The Gunners have been told they have to wear black after a ruling from the the Premier League’s refereeing body (PGMOL). They have determined that Arsenal's home shirt is “too white” and clashes with Spurs’ home kit.

The visitors had reportedly offered to switch to red shorts for this game, as has often been the case in the past, but that idea was rejected.

Adidas Arsenal 2024/25 away kit for the new Premier League season

Arsenal have already won once wearing their all-black change strip - in a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa (Image credit: Arsenal/Adidas)

It means Arsenal will instead don the all-black kit they wore in the 2-0 win at Aston Villa on the second weekend of the season.

Due to the ruling from the PGMOL, Tottenham will be forced to wear their alternative colours for the reverse fixture in January 2025.

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal in pole position to land huge free transfer: report

Arsenal to move for European superstar, in wake of Martin Odegaard injury: report

Ben White's England stance revealed, following latest omission

Arsenal star Martin Odegaard injury update issued ahead of North London derby

Jack Lacey-Hatton
Freelance writer

Jack has worked as a sports reporter full-time since 2021. He previously worked as the Chief Women’s Football Writer at the Mirror, covering the England Women’s national team and the Women’s Super League. Jack has reported on a number of major sporting events in recent years including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the ground in Australia. When not writing on football, he can often be spotted playing the game somewhere in west London.

Read more
Lia Waelti of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Katie McCabe, Victoria Pelova, and Alessia Russo after scoring the team's second goal during the Adobe Women's FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal Women and Watford Women at Meadow Park on January 14, 2024 in Borehamwood, England.
Why are Arsenal wearing white this weekend?
Arsenal's Gabriel during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England.
Watch Arsenal vs Tottenham: Live streams & TV channels for today's North London Derby, plus preview & team news
Kim Little of Arsenal talks to teammates during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 26, 2025 in London, England.
How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham: Live streams for WSL North London derby
David Bentley Arsenal goal
The 10 best north London derbies: Bentley's wonder-bash, Henry's excellence and more
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 07: Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's second goal with team mate Harry Kane during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and SV Werder Bremen at Allianz Arena on February 07, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich BANNED from wearing home kit in Champions League as UEFA demand changes
Arsenal home kit for 2025/26
Arsenal home, away and third kits for 2025/26: Everything we know so far as new designs 'leaked'
Latest in Stories
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed