Arsenal legend Thierry Henry played a crucial role as New York Red Bulls earned a surprise victory against the Gunners tonight.

The French forward helped set up the only goal when he played in Bradley Wright-Phillips, who struck the ball beyond the reach of Wojciech Szczesny, just after the half-hour mark.

Henry, Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer, proved a thorn in his former club's side from the early moments and he nearly scored when he tried to find the bottom corner with his effort, but the Polish shot-stopper got a foot to his shot.

On nine minutes, the long-time Gunners hero was again tormenting the Londoners' defence as he set up Wright-Phillips, but the Englishman couldn't take his chance.

Arsenal thought they had equalised early in the second half when Abou Diaby calmly slipped the ball beyond Luis Robles, but he saw his effort ruled out for offside.

As the game opened up later on, Chuba Akpom came close to scoring for the visitors, but was thwarted by the onrushing Robles.

Within a matter of seconds, Peguy Luyindula found himself with a great chance to secure victory, but he could only guide his header over the bar.

The Gunners tried to push for an equaliser, but failed to find their best form and they fell to defeat against the MLS Eastern Conference outfit.