Bruised Banana Banter.

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

I thought I would try and do some kind of a Thread, based on our past iconic away shirt.
Produced by Adidas, the 'Bruised Banana', (I also heard it referred to as the 'Squashed Wasp'), was used in our last season of First Division football, 1991/92 season. The following season, 1992/93, it featured in our first season of Premier League football.

My interpretation of the 'Bruised Banana'.

When this shirt was released, I said to my Mum, that I would hopefully like to have this for my Birthday. I showed her a picture of it in a Catalogue. Horrified at the look of the shirt, she said 'You're not having that'. So we made a compromise, I had the 1991/92 Home Shirt.


David 'Rocky' Rocastle in the away shirt. (A drawing I attempted).

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

A Brilliant and Disappointing moment of the Bruised Banana Kit, wasn't from an away match. It was during the European Cup (91/92 season), two matches played under the lights at Highbury.


The Brilliant moment comes from the first opponent that we faced, Austria Vienna. Arsenal Win 6 - 1 at Highbury, Alan Smith scores a hattrick. Arsenal's European Cup adventure gets off to a good start.


The Disappointing moment comes from our next round tie. We were drawn to play Portuguese side Benfca. In this Highbury encounter, Arsenal would go onto lose this game 3 - 1 (after extra time). Arsenal were outclassed by Benfica in the end. The European Cup adventure was over. It felt like the Wasp was Squashed.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

The 4th of January 1992, was a Bad Day for the Bruised Banana kit. Arsenal were in FA Cup 3rd Round action. Arsenal had a potential Banana skin of a tie, away to Wrexham.


This proved to be a bruising battle, as Arsenal were beaten 2 - 1 at the Racecourse Ground. I can remember going to School the following Monday morning, most of the pupils supported Liverpool. As I went past them, they laughed and shouted 'Wrexham'!!!
I feel that Arsenal have laid this particular Ghost to Rest. We have won the FA Cup a Record number of times. Perhaps it acted as a wake up call.

 

[Andrew Cole Linighan]

Arsenal players did look good in this kit. A gallery of some players that wore it.


Anders Limpar. Swedish International, who also wore the Yellow Adidas shirt of his Country. Scored for Arsenal (wearing this shirt) against Austria Vienna, in the 1991/92 European Cup.


Steve Bould.


Paul Merson.


Paul Davis.


Andrew Cole. The Striker who went onto play for Bristol City, Newcastle United, Manchester United, got a brief time of wearing the Bruised Banana Kit at Arsenal.


Nigel Winterburn.


Ian Wright. Wright didn't look too Wrong in this shirt. Believe he made his League Cup (at Leicester) and League (at Southampton) debuts wearing this shirt?


David Rocastle. "Rocky' scored a Wonder Goal in this shirt, away at Manchester United.


Andy Linighan. Andy scored at Highbury (wearing this shirt) against Austria Vienna in the 1991/92 European Cup.


Lee Dixon.


David O Leary. Arsenal Record Appearances holder, and Republic of Ireland International.


Steve Morrow. Scored the Winner in the 1993 League Cup Final, then Tony Adams congratulated him after the final whistle. Northern Ireland International, was said that he played more times for them, than he did for Arsenal.

 

[TonyBouldy]

The bruised banana……
What can be said other than is this possibly the greatest kit ever ?
Loved this period in The Arsenal’s history.
Way better than the rubbish kits now being sold and rubbished.
COYG