Footballers among fans at Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks

Football may be the undisputed No 1 sport in England, but for one Thursday night basketball reigned supreme on these shores.

The ninth installment of the annual NBA regular season game in London saw the Washington Wizards 'host' the New York Knicks at the O2 Arena.

While the match sold out in an under an hour when tickets went on sale back in October, that didn't stop some famous faces attending.

There was a strong contingent of Arsenal players past and present inside as they took a break from their Premier League preparations against bitter rivals Chelsea on Saturday.

Defenders Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Carl Jenkinson and midfielder Lucas Torreira were all present and enjoying the Eastern Conference spectacle, as was forward Alex Iwobi.

Former centre back Per Mertesacker was also attending and even popped in his head to listen to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's pre-game press conference. Mertesacker, who is the head of Arsenal's youth academy, snubbed their Youth Cup match against Tottenham on Thursday.

There was a strong Premier League representation of London clubs with Michail Antonio of West Ham, as well as Crystal Palace pair Patrick van Aanholt and Christian Benteke also spectators.

Footballers from the north west also ventured south with the injured Joe Gomez back in his hometown. The Liverpool defender is currently out injured with a broken leg but took time out from his rehabilitation to enjoy an evening of NBA in person.

Fresh from keeping a clean sheet against Tottenham on Sunday, Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof was back in London to watch this encounter.

Lindelof has been in impressive form for the Red Devils and will be looking to continue that form on Saturday afternoon when the resurgent Red Devils host Brighton at Old Trafford.