Thierry Henry
Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry, now of the New York Red Bulls, celebrates after setting up his team's equalizing goal against Arsenal during their Emirates Cup match in north London. REUTERS REUTERS

Arsenal's pre-season woes continued on Sunday after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a Thierry Henry-inspired New York Red Bulls.

Boos rang round the Emirates at the final whistle as Arsene Wenger's side threw away a lead for the second time in two days.

The result meant the U.S. side lifted the pre-season Emirates Cup and, although the the result was largely meaningless; Wenger will be frustrated at the familiar nature of the performance.

The Frenchman moved to shrug off the criticism from supporters, saying: "They have to put that into perspective. People always want to win and that I understand but I don't think we need to put any extra pressure on ourselves.

"The most important thing now is to prepare and take the pressure when the results really matter. I don't think you can compare playing friendly games with playing in the championship."

Midfielder Jack Wilshire left the field after six minutes with an ankle injury but Arsenal recovered well and took the lead three minutes before the break.

Robin van Persie nodded home after Red Bulls goalkeeper Frank Rost failed to collect a Tomas Rosicky free-kick.

But Arsenal fans are well acquainted with their side's indecisive attack and comedic defending and Wenger's summer transfer activity has failed to rectify these old frailties.

The returning Henry made sure Arsenal paid for their profligacy six minutes from time. His perfectly weighted pass found overlapping full-back Roy Miller, whose cross was bundled into the Arsenal goal by Kyle Bartley.

Wenger said: "Thierry has shown us today that he is still top quality with his feet and his head."