'Vibes of Thierry Henry' - but is Isak now 'world class'?

A tall, quick, skilful player who wears the number 14 on his back and is devastating in front of goal.

That description brings back memories of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, but it is also applicable to Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

On a day where Gunners striker Kai Havertz squandered chances in their 1-0 win at Wolves, the man who has long-standing interest from Mikel Arteta netted his 16th and 17th Premier League goals of the season.

Isak once again proved to be Newcastle's talisman, inspiring their 3-1 comeback win at Southampton.

"Alexander Isak is giving me little vibes of Thierry Henry, to be honest," said Nedum Onuoha on BBC Sport's Final Score.

"He's looking so sharp right now.

"Those two finishes for those two goals make it seem like the easiest thing in the world.

"The guy is on fire, every time the ball goes to his feet, you're expecting something to happen, which says a lot for his ability."

Arteta has made so secret of his admiration for the forward, and Arsenal need to strengthen in the attacking department following the long-term injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus.

While reiterating that Newcastle are unlikely to lose Isak in January and keen to build around the forward, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he will "never say never" when it comes to the transfer window.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer told BBC Match of the Day: "His all round game is magnificent.

"He is creating so many opportunities, getting shots away. His first touch is fantastic.

"I think there are three world class forwards in the Premier League. Erling Haaland being one. Mohamed Salah being another and Isak the third."

Ex-Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy, added: "I think he has a world class ability but to be a world class player he has to do it for longer."

'Alexander the Great' keeps breaking records

Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Arsenal

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has previously described Isak as "the complete striker," while Howe called him the "conduit" for the Magpies' play after the win at Southampton.

The forward has been honoured by the Newcastle fans, with a display depicting him as 'Alexander the Great' at St James' Park.

When Isak scored his penalty at St Mary's, he became the first Newcastle player to net in five consecutive away Premier League matches, overtaking Peter Beardsley's previous club record of four from 1993.

He has now scored 48 times in the Premier League, the second most of any Newcastle player, ahead of Callum Wilson on 47.

He has also scored 13 goals in 10 Premier League games since the start of December – four more than any other player.

Out of players to take at least five shots, Isak has the best shot conversion rate in the Premier League in that time as well, and has scored a Premier League goal every 65 minutes in this run.