27th July, 2014
Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry inspired New York Red Bulls to victory against the Gunners in a pre-season friendly. Henry provided the assist for Bradley Wright-Phillips to score against the London club.
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger started with a strong eleven with Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Wojciech Szczesny, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey all getting the nod.
With Giroud still on his summer holidays, Wenger’s lack of options at centre-forward saw Tomas Rosicky start as a lone striker, as a false nine.
But it was the hosts who carved out the first chance, with Henry at the heart of it. His perfectly timed run was spotted by former Leeds winger Lloyd Sam, but for once the Frenchman’s finishing was wasteful as he fired wide.
But in the 33rd minute, MLS side took a deserved lead through Bradley Wright-Phillips — adopted son of Gunners legend Ian Wright.
Predictably, Henry had a hand in the goal, his corner causing havoc in the Gunners defence before Wright-Phillips nipped in front of Szczesny to toe-poke home with a finish his dad would have been proud of.
Jack Wilshere, making his first pre-season appearance of the summer, went close to levelling five minutes later after a brilliant one-two with Gedion Zelalem, but his effort from eight yards was brilliantly saved by Robles.