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#ArsenalNYC: The story of day one

New York Fan Party

Arsenal's first full day in the United States began with an Emirates Business Breakfast, attended by Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis.

How to build a successful organisation was the theme of an informative, informal event, with the manager and chief executive sharing their thoughts with business leaders before fielding questions from the guests.

 

Wenger at the Emirates Business Breakfast

Wenger at the Emirates Business Breakfast

 

Wenger's next assignment was at the venue for Saturday's friendly - Red Bull Arena - where he attended a press conference alongside Mikel Arteta and Wojciech Szczesny.

Thierry Henry, who faced the media before his old boss took centre stage, was the main topic of conversation ahead of his reunion with the Gunners.

 

Thierry Henry with Mikel and Wojciech

Thierry Henry with Mikel and Wojciech

 

Within minutes of the press conference's conclusion, Wenger and his coaching staff stepped out on the pristine pitch at Red Bull Arena to take a training session.

A light warm-up was followed by possession drills and then a small-sided game with Steve Bould taking part and Henry watching from the sidelines.

 

The squad train in New York as Thierry Henry looks on

The squad train in New York as Thierry Henry looks on

 

The centrepiece of a busy evening was a boisterous fan party at the Izod Centre, where thousands of supporters gathered to sing Arsenal chants, take part in activities and meet the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and - that man again - Henry.

Hosted by Hugh Wizzy and Richard Fleming, the party started with a Q&A with former Arsenal Ladies stars Faye White and Clare Wheatley, who were then joined on stage by six of the men's team.

Henry was introduced to a huge ovation and he and the other players took part in basketball and keepy-uppy challenges with fans before the FA Cup was taken around the Izod Centre.

 

New York Fan Party

 

Meanwhile, in New York City, 10 players including goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny did their best to blend in on the subway en route to a spectacular photoshoot at The Top Of The Rock - the Rockefeller Centre.

After enjoying the sunset from the 70th floor, the players headed back down to the street and walked two blocks to Times Square, where they mingled with fans and posed for more photos.

 

The Arsenal squad at Top Of The Rock

The Arsenal squad at the Top Of The Rock

 

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