Analysis of Gonzalo Higuain's performance during Juventus' 2-2 draw with Tottenham

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  • Gonzalo Higuain netted a brace but Juventus failed to hang on as Tottenham grabbed a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in Turin.

    Man-of-the-match Higuain put the home side 2-0 up inside the first ten minutes, but Spurs fought back with goals from Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane.

    With the game still to play for ahead of the return leg at Wembley on March 7, we take a look at the stunning performance of two-goal hero Higuain.

    BASIC STATS

    HIGUAIN

    Goals – 2

    Shots 4

    Shots on target – 2

    Pass Accuracy – 85.7%

    Touches – 41

    Passes – 21

    Key passes – 3

    Dribbles – 5

    EFFECTIVENESS

    HIGUAIN

    Another scintillating display from the Argentine.

    He came bounding out of the blocks and tucked away a volley to break the deadlock after two minutes.

    He then doubled Juve’s advantage six minutes later when stepping up to convert a penalty after Federico Bernardeschi was chopped down by Ben Davies.

    Just before the break, Higuain had a chance to complete his hat-trick but his penalty attempt came off the crossbar.

    The 30-year-old has now scored 24 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for Massimiliano Allegri’s men.

    KEY MOMENTS

    HIGUAIN

    2nd min (GOAL) – Miralem Pjanic chips in a lovely free-kick and finds Higuain unmarked, leaving the striker in acres of space. He turns and hooks a magnificent right-footed volley past Hugo Lloris to open the scoring.

    9th min (GOAL) – Ben Davies trips Federico Bernardeschi in the Spurs penalty area and the referee points to the spot. Higuain steps away up to duly tuck away the penalty and double the hosts advantage.

    30th min (CHANCE) – Pjanic and Higuain exchange passes as they barrel down the middle, with Spurs defenders in hot pursuit. The Argentine breaks into the box and his low shot sails narrowly wide of the upright.

    45th min (MISS) – Serge Aurier is taken to the cleaners by Douglas Costa and drags the Juve man down in the penalty area. Higuain steps up and thumps his penalty down the middle and straight at the crossbar.

    60th min (YELLOW CARD) – He tries to battle his way in between three Tottenham players and falls under the tackle of Jan Vertonghen. The striker argues to the referee about a potential free-kick, and he’s shown a yellow card for dissent.

    63rd min (CLEARANCE) – Spurs win a free-kick on the right and Christian Eriksen attempts to curl in the ball from an acute angle, but Higuain rises highest to clear the danger.

    87th min (CHANCE) – Costa shows his speed as he slaloms past three defenders on the left. He cuts into the box and tries to pick out Higuain, but Vertonghen sprints in to poke the ball into the side netting.

    VERDICT

    HIGUAIN

    Two goals, a missed penalty and a yellow card may suggest a mixed game to some, but Higuain was outstanding. He orchestrated proceedings for Juventus and reminded everyone of his outstanding talents. His movement was good as he made the right runs and showed for the ball as well, but he struggled to hold on to his position in the second half. Overall, the Buenos Aires native showed his class and delivered when it mattered.

    9/10

    All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com

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