Arsenal started the Emirates Cup as their home tournament in 2007. For only the second time in the five year history of the tournament, Aresenal is not holding the cup. Arsenal won the initial cup in 2007. Hamburg S.V. took the Cup in '08 with Arsenal taking it each of the next three years. This year however, the first MLS team to play in the tournament emerge as the victors.
Red Bull New York defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first match of the tournament. Arsenal faced off against Boca Juniors, but didn't fair as well. Arsenal lost a 2-0 lead over Boca Juniors, who fought back to end the match tied 2-2. Today, Red Bull New York took on Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. The game was a homecoming of sorts for Thierry Henry, who spent 8 seasons with the Gunners.
Towards the end of a rather even first half, Arsenal found themselves up 1-0 on a header by Robin Van Persie. Van Persie can easily lead the EPL in goals this year, if he can stay healthy. After the half, Arsenal had a few more chances to build on their lead, but were unable to do so. As the match moved along, it seemed as though both sides were content with the 1-0 finish. However, after Van Persie, Gervinho, and others were subbed out, RBNY seemed to spring some life. With around 6 minutes remaining, Henry fed Roy Miller who lobbed a shot in. Gunner sub Kyle Bartley however knocked the ball in, giving Red Bull New York the draw.
With the draw came the Emirates Cup. Again Arsenal couldn't hold a lead and their two total points landed them third overall in the tourney. The final results were:
1-Red Bull New York
2-Paris Saint-Germain
3-Arsenal
4-Boca Juniors
This tournament may do some good things for the MLS. The MLS is often viewed as not only a second tier league here in the States, but also around the world. Although this was merely a "pre-season tournament" Red Bull New York came home with a cup in a Tournament with 3 well known European teams. Might the MLS finally get just a bit of respect? We shall see...
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