Is Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez the Gunners’ replacement for Thierry Henry? The stats say yes..
Chilean forward has got off to an eerily similar start to French legend in north London with fans praying for a second coming
HAVE Arsenal finally got their hands on a new Thierry Henry?
When Arsene Wenger brought Alexis Sanchez to north London in 2014, fans instantly thought: "This could be the missing piece..."
His talent, along with experience at world-beating Barcelona, meant many considered the Chilean to be the logical successor to Thierry Henry; a man they've failed to truly replace since originally leaving in 2007.
But why do Arsenal fans insist on finding an Henry 2.0, if you will?
Well, 226 goals in 369 games is the logical answer, with 174 of those strikes coming in just 254 Premier League outings.
Ever since, French boss Wenger - who brought Henry to the club back in 1999 - has been crying out for his replacement.
He even brought Mr Henry back for a loan stint in the 2011-12 season... Who better to be the new Henry, than Henry himself, he thought.
But now, 100 games into Sanchez's Arsenal career, it is time to put him well and truly in the spotlight...
...And boy does he pass the test with flying colours.
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Let's start with the obvious: The goals.
Sanchez has netted 47 times through his first 100 games, compared to Henry's 48.
What about goals from the dominant boot? Sanchez has 39 goals off his right boot, to Henry's 37.
Henry netted four penalties in his opening 100 games. Sanchez has scored four free-kicks.
Sanchez scored nine from outside the box. Henry eight.
The Chilean netted 25 times in his first season, to Henry's 26. The pair then both struck 22 from then on up until their 100th outing for Arsenal.
The numbers are truly uncanny... But it doesn't stop there.
First of all, when Wenger brought Henry to the club from Juventus, he was predominantly played on the wing, before taking on a lethal, central role.
It's a similar tale with Sanchez who joined the club as a winger and is seeing more and more minutes playing in a more conventional centre-forward role.
While many Gooners believe Sanchez should stick to his role of flying winger, others believe he truly could be the new Thierry if given a shot up top.
How will Mr Wenger play it from here? If the numbers are anything to go by, it's time to let him loose up front...