No sooner does the touring party leave than Australian football starts to look within itself to ask whether it was all worth it. The issue of legacy is the sore point for high-profile exhibition games in Australia, with history suggesting A-League clubs receive little tangible benefit and certainly the smallest slice of the pie.

Football Federation Australia collects a quick $250,000 in sanction fees, mainstream media interest plateaus and the incredible crowds that flock for meaningless games never, ever come back for domestic competitions.

But in the wake of Arsenal's two blockbuster friendlies in Australia, Sydney FC are set to receive a genuine gift. The one-time glamour club of Australia has long trumpeted its ambitions for global recognition, so much so that the Sky Blues have outlined a long-term goal of becoming Asia's biggest sporting brand. It's why the iconic Sydney Opera House is the sole feature of the club's new crest as it dovetails Sydney FC's image with the city's most recognisable feature.

But as a result of Arsenal's tour, Sydney FC received a marketing free-kick no sockless, rolled-jeaned, sculpted-beard marketing executive could have pitched.