The Arsenal ace drawing comparisons with Fratton favourite Thierry Henry ahead of Portsmouth Cup clash

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville certainly did when he was commentating on the Gunners’ 3-2 Premier League win against Everton for Sky Sports on Sunday.

And the reason why was all down to Arsenal’s current 19-goal top-scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon international scored twice against the Toffees to take him to joint-top of the Premier League scoring charts alongside Leicester’s Jame Vardy (17).

But it was the way in which the 30-year-old netted his first goal that drew comparisons with former Arsenal great and firm favourite of the Fratton faithful Thierry Henry.

The former World Cup winner had many admirers during a glorious playing career, which also incorporated spells at Monaco, Juventus and Barcelona.

However, his undoubted skills on the pitch and sheer presence were appreciated just as much by fans with the star & crescent on their chest.

The two-winner of the Premier League enjoyed a standing ovation when he helped Arsenal defeat Pompey 5-1 in an FA Cup quarter-final tie at Fratton Park in March 2004.

The Fratton End took the unusual step of singing his name that day, despite his two goals in the decisive victory.

Meanwhile, he endeared himself to the PO4 crowd even further when he donned a Pompey shirt and applauded the fans following a 1-1 Premier League draw between the two sides two months later.

Now, according to Neville, Fratton Park will be given it’s first glimpse of a player whose style of play draws comparisons to Henry.

Speaking about Aubameyang’s opening goal in the 3-2 win against Everton, he said: ‘This is Thierry Henry, everything about it.

‘As he went through on goal you just imagined the great French striker sprinting down on goal, setting it out to that far post and scoring.

‘It’s Aubameyang now, wonderful. He’s got so much pace and he times the run well.’

Pompey play host to Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday, March 2 (7.45pm).

The game is sold out, but those unfortunate not to attend can watch the game live on BT Sport.