They are two key players whose future is embroiled in speculation. One is rumored to be on his way to China, whilst the other has reportedly grown frustrated with his underperforming club and is keen on an upgrade.
They are Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez, the Premier League’s joint top-scorers. Despite all the transfer rumors, the Spaniard and Chilean keep performing for their club.
The two electrifying attackers will face-off on Saturday in Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea. Here’s a look at their stats this season ahead of the Stamford Bridge clash.
Goals and games
Diego Costa:15 goals in 21 games
Alexis Sanchez: 15 goals in 23 games
Diego Costa v Alexis Sanchez
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 4, 2017
Bring it on… #CHEARS pic.twitter.com/PAZihhpKC2
Minutes per goals
Diego Costa: 123 minutes
Alexis Sanchez: 131 minutes
Since the Spaniard has the same number of goals as the Chilean despite making fewer appearances, he was always bound to have a better minutes-per-goal ratio.
Shot accuracy
Diego Costa: 63%
Alexis Sanchez: 57%
Not that Alexis is wasteful, but if you have only one opportunity to score and claim all three points, you’d want Costa on the end of than ball.
Successful take-ons
Diego Costa: 39.18%
Alexis Sanchez: 66.67%
Alexis, with his South American flare and never-ending energy, was always taking this one.
Assists
Diego Costa: 5
Alexis Sanchez: 8
This means that the Arsenal ace has contributed to more goals (23) than the Chelsea forward (20). Not bad from the Gunners hero.
These stats show us that while Diego Costa has the edge in scoring goals alone, Alexis Sanchez’s playmaker status trumps the Spaniard as Arsenal rely on him for magic one too many times. Nonetheless, both will be a joy to watch at the Bridge.
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