A Journey of the Emirates Cup
The Emirates Cup, an annual pre-season invitational tournament held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, has been a thrilling event since its inception in 2007. Over the years, it has provided fans with exciting matches and memorable moments. Let’s take a trip down the memory lane and revisit the highlights of the previous tournaments, including the most recent one in 2022:
- 2007
Winner: Arsenal
Participating teams: Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia, Inter Milan
Arsenal lifted the inaugural Emirates Cup after defeating Inter Milan 2-1 in a thrilling comeback.
Alex Hleb and Robin van Persie were the heroes, scoring crucial goals in the final match.
- 2008
Winner: Hamburg
Participating teams: Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid
Hamburg made history by becoming the first visiting team to win the trophy despite losing their opening match.
Arsenal and Hamburg both had one win and one defeat, but Hamburg claimed the title due to the point system.
🔴⚪️ | 🚨 Declan Rice is expected to make his home debut this coming Wednesday as Arsenal take on Monaco in the Emirates Cup.
The 24-year-old was left out of the clash against Barcelona only as a precautionary measure. He had a tight calf after getting kicked in training. ✅🏥… pic.twitter.com/f5KRhGad9C
— Punch Drunk Arsenal (@PunchDrunkAFC) July 28, 2023
- 2009
Winner: Arsenal
Participating teams: Rangers, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain
Arsenal regained the trophy with Jack Wilshere stealing the spotlight with impressive performances.
Wilshere’s emergence as a young talent was one of the standout moments of the tournament.
4 years ago today I had the best seats I’ve ever had in my life at the emirates cup 😍 pic.twitter.com/jsDcrg58VI
— Mark Gunner Runner 🏃🏻🔥 (@marky249) July 28, 2023
- 2010
Winner: Arsenal
Participating teams: Lyon, Celtic, Milan
Arsenal clinched the title, with Marouane Chamakh scoring on his home debut and helping secure a 1-0 win against Milan.
Jack Wilshere continued to shine, impressing fans and pundits alike.
Since I'm beginning to fear for Zinchenko's fitness, it's time to re-integrate him into the fold. Kai Havertz would have to gradually work his way into the starting lineup.
Who are you changing from here?#EmiratesCup pic.twitter.com/FPtjkeVvtz
— AFC_TransferNews (@ABTNews_AFC) July 31, 2023
- 2011
Winner: New York Red Bulls
Participating teams: Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Boca Juniors
Arsenal had a strong showing, but the New York Red Bulls, featuring the legendary Thierry Henry, won the tournament.
The introduction of non-European teams added an exciting twist to the competition.
- 2013
Winner: Galatasaray
Participating teams: Porto, Arsenal, Napoli
Galatasaray claimed the trophy, with Didier Drogba delivering a spectacular performance in the final.
Arsenal’s draw against Napoli wasn’t enough to secure the title.
“Arsène will be our guest of honour for the Emirates Cup match against AS Monaco on Wednesday, August 2”
Wenger coming back to the Emirates for the most prestigious competition in football, you love to see it. https://t.co/XgxfgZRFD4
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) July 28, 2023
- 2014
Winner: Valencia
Participating teams: Arsenal, Monaco, Benfica
Yaya Sanogo stole the show, scoring four goals in a 5-1 victory over Benfica. Valencia’s victory over Benfica secured them the Emirates Cup.
- 2015
Winner: Arsenal
Participating teams: Villarreal, Wolfsburg, Lyon
Arsenal lifted the trophy for the first time in five years with an impressive 6-0 win over Lyon.
- 2017
Winner: Arsenal
Participating teams: Sevilla, RB Leipzig, Benfica
Arsenal claimed a memorable victory, beating Benfica 5-2 in a high-scoring encounter. Alexandre Lacazette’s strike secured their Emirates Cup triumph in that year.
- 2019
Men’s winner: Lyon
Women’s winner: Bayern Munich
The Emirates Cup returned after a one-year hiatus, with Bayern Munich triumphing in the women’s competition.
Lyon emerged as the men’s champions In a competitive match.
- 2022
Men’s winner: Arsenal
Participating teams: Sevilla
After a two-year gap due to Covid-19, the Gunners returned in style with a resounding 6-0 victory over Sevilla. Gabriel Jesus’ stunning performance, including a brace within the first 15 minutes, secured the trophy for the London side.
The Emirates Cup has consistently provided fans with thrilling football, unforgettable moments, and a glimpse of the teams’ potential ahead of the new season. With its rich history and exciting matches, the tournament remains a less anticipated but highly exciting event on the football calendar.
This season, Mikel Arteta’s side will come face-to-face with France’s Monaco FC. The Spaniard will hope to entertain a sell-out crowd at the Emirates Stadium, instilling a feeling of big hopes in this campaign among the club’s faithful.
Writer – Yash Bisht
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I remember once traveling during Wenger era , when an Air hostess ask one of my sons, why wear the shirt so proudly and Arsenal can’t even win their own cup.
We subsequently discovered she was a Man United fan, who knows every bit of our suffering