LONDON, ENGLAND (July 31, 2011) - The New York Red Bulls won the 2011 Emirates Cup, drawing with host Arsenal FC 1-1 on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. Thierry Henry, facing Arsenal for the first time after eight seasons with the London club, helped create the game-tying goal just six minutes from full time, combining with teammate Roy Miller to force an Arsenal own goal. With their 1-0 victory on Saturday over Paris Saint-Germain, the Red Bulls topped the Emirates Cup table with four points.
Arsenal controlled possession for the majority of the first half, but Henry did come close to giving New York the lead. In the 24th minute, the Red Bulls earned a free kick just outside the Arsenal penalty area, which Henry took. Henry curled the ball over the defensive wall and towards the top left corner of the net, but Arsenal goalkeeper Wojiciech Szczesny made a diving save to keep the game scoreless.
The hosts took the lead in the 42nd minute, converting a set piece opportunity. Red Bulls midfielder Teemu Tainio was called for a handball, setting up a free kick for Arsenal that Tomas Rosicky stepped up to take. The Czech midfielder swung the ball in towards the penalty spot and Robin Van Persie was first to it, heading it past goalkeeper Frank Rost.
New York leveled the match and scored the Emirates Cup winning goal in the 84th minute. New York enjoyed possession in Arsenal's half, and Henry found himself at the top left corner of the penalty area. The former Arsenal man played a through ball to an on-running Miller, who crossed into the six yard box from the goal line. Arsenal substitute Kyle Bartley tried to clear the ball, but redirected it into his own net.
The Red Bulls return to Major League Soccer play when they travel to Sandy, UT to take on Real Salt Lake on Saturday, August 6 at 9 p.m. ET (TV: MSG). New York returns home to Red Bull Arena the following week on Saturday, August 13 to host the Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. ET (TV: MSG).