Can Arsenal’s Current Squad Rival Thierry Henry’s Invincible-Era Arsenal?

View image | gettyimages.com

The Wings: Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez vs Robert Pires and Freddie Ljunberg

Theo Walcott and Freddie Ljunberg have very similar goal scoring numbers for Arsenal. Ljunberg had 73 and Walcott has 72. However, Ljunberg had 339 appearances, whereas Walcott has only had 290 and he has many more to come.

Ljunberg wasn’t the technical player, but he got the job done. He was smart on and off the ball. Walcott may have the speed and the technicality, but his health has marred any consistent progress.

Statistically, the two are very similar, while skill-wise, they aren’t. They were completely different in skill sets.

Then there’s Robert Pires, who’s Arsenal career ended far too quickly. After the Invincible season, he continued his run of being crucial to the side until the 2005/6 season, where he struggled to maintain his spot before regaining his form. He was voted by the fans as the 6th greatest Gunner of all time in 2008.

Alexis is a new face to the Gunners, yet he’s scored 18 times in 32 appearances. He’s a footballing genius and could become an Arsenal legend much like Pires, but again, only time will tell.

So where do the comparisons stand?

Of all the compared positions, this one is the most even. Again, it’s impossible to compare potential with reality, because Ljunberg and Pires have already made their mark, whereas Walcott and Sanchez are still making theirs.

If Walcott can stay healthy, he can go down as one of the best wingers of his era. He has a proven scoring track record and his speed is simply sublime. Alexis can do the same. He chose Arsenal because he wanted to play there and he’s showing us why with his superb contributions to the team.