New York: Red Bulls led by Thierry Henry won the Emirates Cup last weekend at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Arsenal hosted the competition, which also involved Argentina's Boca Juniors and France's Paris Saint Germain.
The highlight of the tournament for the sell-out crowd was watching former Gunner legend Henry, who still holds the North London club's top goal record (226 from 369 appearances) lead his side out onto the pitch ahead of their match with Arsenal.
The Gunners led 1-0 following a goal from Robin van Persie, before a late own goal from Kyle Bartley drew the match level, and ensured that the US side won the league round-robin formatted Emirates Cup in their first year of participation thanks to a point from the draw.
Hero's welcome
Opening with the New York Red Bulls recording a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint Germain, without Henry, the French striker received a hero's welcome when he faced Arsenal.
Arsenal then took on Boca Juniors, giving up an early 2-0 lead to settle for a 2-2 tie.
The action on the first day set up a thrilling match between Arsenal and New York Red Bulls on the final day of the tournament.
As the teams were busy delivering action on the field, Emirates was busy off it, encouraging fans to take on the Emirates Destination Challenge to win return flights to Dubai.
Hundreds of contestants took part, and everyone who participated — successful or not — received an Emirates — branded giveaway, but those successful across the weekend were entered into a prize draw to win the grand prize of two return flights to Dubai with Emirates.
Emirates distributed branded giveaways to fans throughout the weekend and the airline's cabin crew assisted Laurie Berryman, Senior Vice-President UK and Ireland, in presenting the coveted trophy to the tournament champions, the New York Red Bulls.
RESULTS
- New York 1-0 Paris Saint Germain
- Arsenal 2-2 Boca Juniors
- Paris Saint Germain 3-0 Boca Juniors
- Arsenal 1-1 New York Red Bulls
