The Emirates Cup began in July 2007 once Arsenal finalised plans to stage a pre-season competition at its home ground.

[4] The inclusion of Boca Juniors and New York Red Bulls marked the first time clubs outside of the UEFA zone had participated in the competition.

Defender Tim Ream captained the Red Bulls in place of Henry, who was rested,[7] while Péguy Luyindula started up front for Paris Saint-Germain;[8] the forward was the top scorer in the inaugural Emirates Cup.

Joel Lindpere passed the ball to teammate Juan Agudelo, and made a darting run towards the Paris Saint-Germain penalty area.

Agudelo passed it back to Lindpere, who evaded his closest opponent and placed the ball into the far right side of the net, past goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.

[10] For most of the game, Paris Saint-Germain struggled to get past the Red Bulls, who were comfortable in defence and "looked extremely dangerous on the counter attack" according to match reporter Joe Prince-Wright.

The French side named a much-changed team from the defeat against the Red Bulls; Alphonse Areola started in goal, while Kevin Gameiro provided an attacking threat up front.

[14] Van Persie's header in the 42nd minute looked to be enough for Arsenal to retain the trophy, but the Red Bulls capitalised on their opponents' carelessness in front of goal by equalising.