The 25 Best Jerseys Of The Premier League's 25 Years

In this second installment of our "Top 25 of 25 Series", we initially considered whether we ought to list our top 25 goals, or saves, or perhaps even the standout games of the Premier League's quarter-century.

Yet, we decided to tackle an issue far more contentious then any of these; the Premier League's 25 best jerseys.

When Manchester United's marketing team weighed in on jersey design before the 1995/96 season, the intention was to create an alternative kit that could be easily worn as leisure wear - presumably alongside its usage for five-a-side kickabouts and on the match day itself. The result was disastrous - that kit won't feature in this list. However, the premise had potential, and, retro/classic/old football jerseys are de rigueur for football's increasing hipster population.

As you carouse this list, we urge you to explore the depths of your disagreement with our selections and let us know your thoughts. We hasten to add, we are not responsible for any inordinate spending on Classic Football Shirts as a result of this list. You've been warned.

25: Liverpool (2017-18)

Perhaps the most pleasing Premier League jersey of any club heading into the new season, Liverpool have incorporated some touches of past glories in this anniversary kit. From a collar design reminiscent of their 70s & 80s heyday, to a standard, inoffensive, darker shade of red, it's an unquestionable triumph. And, if Sunday evening in Dublin was anything to go by, plenty of Liverpool fans have already purchased theirs.

24: Manchester City (1991-93)

Before last season's attempt at recapturing something, anything of the Manchester City of old, a typical City jersey carried this club crest with hardly any notion of marketability whatsoever. A slightly cleaner cut kit than the later striped version you were likely to see on a Gallagher brother, the subtle sleeve design stayed with City during a relatively safe, mid-table, early Premier League existence.

23: Leeds United (2000-02)

Introduced during the third-coming of Leeds United as a force in Premier League - and, European - football, this will not be the only involvement of Leeds in this list. It is difficult to go too far wrong with an all-white aesthetic, but it isn't necessarily easy to get it this right. Although it featured on numerous memorable occasions for Leeds, the image of Viduka (pictured above) hitting four goals against Liverpool, at Elland Road, on a sunny April morning, may be the best of all.

22: Chelsea (2001-03)

For all their perceived faults, Chelsea rarely get it wrong when it comes to a home kit - white on royal blue is an advantageous starting point. The penultimate kit to carry the "old" crest, this particular number was brokered by its simplicity. Worn by the likes of Gudjohnsen (above), Zola, Desailly, Petit and... Jody Morris, Chelsea would finish the 02/03 season in 4th place, kick-starting the glorious period of Ranieri!

21: Nottingham Forest (1992-94)

Can a jersey ever be too red? Well, after this Forest would spend the next four years trying to avoid such a monochrome approach at all costs. Yet, we like this relatively restricted approach. The jersey in which Roy Keane would win Forest's Player of the Year award, it was also in use as the club was relegated for the first time since 1972, and Brian Clough, the two-time European Cup winning manager, would end his 18 year stint with the club. Mixed feelings for Forest fans then.

20: Blackburn Rovers (1994-95)

Before Abramovich and Sheikh Mansour, there was Jack Walker. Having won their last league title in the weeks prior to the outbreak of World War I, their 1994-95 triumph was special, if not somewhat unexpected. Between the blue and white split, the button down collar, Asics as the manufacturer, or McEwan's Lager as their primary shirt sponsor however, there was nothing to confound the actuality of their jersey success.

19: Manchester United (1992-94)

A centenary release marking Newton Heath's first season as a First Division club, this jersey continues to spark debate. Yes, on the face of it, the garish separation of two fairly vivid colours is a hard sell. However, maintaining the general commitment to excessive collaring that existed throughout most of the 1990s, the addition of that black lace across the chest provided some genuine individuality.

18: Manchester City (2009-10)

Sacrificing a clearer image in favour of reminding you of the most priceless moment where it was worn, this red/black sash effect was not a first for an away Man City kit. In the heady days of Benarbia, Wanchope, Goater and Kevin Keegan in charge, City employed a similar number; in 2002/03 the sash covered the crest instead. What sets this apart however is the placement of that Etihad logo away from the shirt's centre. Usually quite a risky endeavour, it worked here.

17: Liverpool (1992-93)

The 1990s were an exploratory age for Liverpool. After all but dominating the previous two decades in a standard attire of red, white or yellow, this green(???) number broke the mold somewhat. Technically an alteration on the same jersey of the year before, the introduction of Carlsberg coincided with the Premier League's first season. They would tread this line for a few years thereafter, and, while the quadrant effort of 1995/96 is a worthy mention, the three-striped effect on the right shoulder was a unique feature by any measure.

16: Tottenham Hotspur (1999-01)

A lot can be said for an unobtrusive shirt sponsor. Whilst Holsten was admittedly hard to miss on this Spurs classic, you needn't have dwelled on it for too long either. Between its white base, navy blue trim and Adidas design, it seemed fittingly minimalist for one of Ginola's undoubted élan.

15: Fulham (2009-10)

Another effort with relatively little fanfare, Fulham's 09/10 kit went all the way with them to the 2010 Europa League final. Of course, being the designated "away" side in the draw, they didn't actually wear the kit against Atletico Madrid. Still, a solid effort.

14: Arsenal (2002-04)

An inopportune angle to capture this number in it's full glory, however, seeing that Arsenal have chosen to encapsulate this moment in bronze, it's seems as good a photo as any other. At a time when many of those clubs using Nike as a manufacturer ended up with inordinately similar styles to one another, this Arsenal kit was out on its own.

13: Everton (2015-16)

Neither Roberto Martinez or this kit would make it as far as 2016/17, but we can bet which is the more warmly remembered. It's not often that you can acquire the services of a Thai beer company, stick the logo on your jersey and make it work. Everton did it.

12: Manchester United (2002-03)

An alternate blue kit is only ever a few years away for Man United. This effort however signaled its reemergence after a six-year hiatus. Refreshingly simple, the silver lining on both sponsor and manufacturer logo were a bonus too. The long-sleeve option was the ideal.

11: Chelsea (2003-04)

Rarely will you see the sponsor on a jersey so carefully considered in the overall design. Fading colours are a risk, yet, this final pre-Mourinho Chelsea alternate kit makes a success of it. Having achieved their best top-flight finish since 1955, and making it as far as the semi-final of the Champions League, the jersey had many big days out. (It just reminds me of Damien Duff and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - Ed)

10: West Ham United (1999-01)

Nice collar, good colours, amusing sponsor, relatively underused manufacturer. Most memorable moment? As it hangs suspended in the air while Paolo Di Canio volleys past Wimbledon's Neil Sullivan, scoring one of the greatest goals in the Premier League's 25 years - enough said. (Ah here! - Ed)

9: Derby County (1997-98)

Derby's combined seven Premier League seasons haven't always been the most joyful. Two relegations, three bottom-half finished and a respectable 8th & 9th. This classic number is from the latter of these happier seasons. With the likes of Paulo Wanchope, Deon Burton, and Rory Delap in situ (eh, Dean Sturridge? - Ed), the Rams recorded wins - amongst others - against Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal, all the while wearing this delightful jersey.

8: Wimbledon (1994-95)

An unattractive team with a rather trendy jersey. Such was one of the many dichotomies surrounding Wimbledon throughout the 1990's. Yet, with an average attendance of just over ten-thousand people all season, not too many people were seeing it even then. What you may miss is the lack of a manufacturer for this kit. Embroidered in its place? "The Crazy Gang".

7: Aston Villa (1993-95)

Although Ron Atkinson would not see out 1994 in charge, he was a man well acquainted with style, and this Villa jersey had tons of it. Another special effort for the far-underused Asics, the thin-blue stripe was a pure one-off for Villa.

6: Manchester United (1993-95)

Impossible to remove from the context in which it is captured above, this United away kit was nonetheless amongst the club's most memorable. Their first all-black kit to date, it is still highly sought to this day. Lots will also remember the sponsor mixing things up with "Sharp Viewcam" embroidered on this top.

5: Arsenal (2005-06) 

An instant divider of opinions, this 'currant' kit was brought in as an act of remembrance. Arsenal were leaving Higbury and they wished to replicate the colour Arsenal wore in 1913. They would get to the Champions League final for the first time in their history, but, unfortunately, they would meet another team there who were somewhat more acquainted with the burgundy hue.

4: Leeds United (1995-96)

With its "L U F C" badge, this kit was something of a throwback to Leeds kits of the early 1970s. Although there was no Giles, Bremner or Lorimer, the emergence of players like Ian Harte, Harry Kewell and Lee Bowyer coincided with this all too rare jersey.

(YEBOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAH!!! - Ed)

3: Coventry City (1996-97)

As likely to create something appalling, Coventry's City's 96/97 home kit was special. Again, we must look to the presence of Ron Atkinson and really wonder if this was any surprise. Although he wouldn't last beyond November, his influence was clear. With Gary McAllister captaining the side, the introduction of Gordon Strachan in place of Atkinson led Coventry to eventual safety, beating Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs in the closing weeks to do so.

2: Manchester United (1994-96)

The one with Old Trafford emblazoned across it. A tidier effort than its predecessor, the legacy of this jersey however is determined by the ease with which it allowed Eric Cantona to indulge his collar-popping.

1: Newcastle United (1995-97)

In 1995/96 & 1996/97, Newcastle United came second to Manchester United... twice.

They deserve #1 here.