Our recent trend for capturing new kit debuts in preseason continues as part of our ‘Framed Series’, and this time it’s Arsenal in their new away kit, taking on Orlando City in a rocking Exploria Stadium.
It’s getting to the point where you could say that Arsenal and adidas just don’t do bad kits. The new away kit for 22/23 is the latest instalment in a line of absolute premium productions from their pair, and it got a winning start to life as the North London side donned it for the second preseason match Stateside, against MLS side Orlando City. A ferocious thunderstorm almost prevented the action from going ahead, but an hour delay was the final outcome, with fans that had travelled from far and wide to see the Gunners happy to eventually see kick off.
Within five minutes they were rewarded with a Gabriel Martinelli goal, the Brazilian swapping passes with Sambi Lokonga inside the box, before his shot beat goalkeeper Pedro Gallese via a deflection.
Despite the novelty of seeing the Premier League side in action, most fans were backing the home side, and around the half hour mark they were sent into raptures when Facundo Torres tucked his shot low inside the post to equalise.
Haft time saw the introduction of Arsenal new boy, Gabriel Jesus, and he was a thorn City’s side, and his tenacious play led to the Premier League side once again taking the lead, this time through Eddie Nketiah. Reiss Nelson, who had only just come off the bench, then added a third when he converted from Bukayo Saka’s cross.
Job done, and attention for Arsenal turns to Saturday night when they take on Chelsea at the Camping World Stadium, while Orlando City have the semi-final of the US Open Cup against New York Red Bulls to look forward to.
Photography by Matthew Dingle for SoccerBible.
