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Coutinho shines, but Gerrard says two Aston Villa players were ‘untouchable’ against Southampton
Aston Villa hammered Southampton today to get right back to form as Philippe Coutinho inspired Steven Gerrard’s men to a big victory.
The Brazilian was back to his very best and he looks to be fully justifying Gerrard’s decision to bring the former Liverpool man back to the Premier League. He helped himself to a goal and an assist today and seems to be improving in terms of sharpness by the week.
But while Gerrard was quick to laud Coutinho for his efforts at full-time, the Villa boss also wanted to make note of those around him. Indeed, Gerrard believed both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins helped make life even easier for Coutinho.
“We’ve got Phil [Coutinho] back fit and in a really good place – he was back to his Liverpool form today and he was a touch above. The other players have got a lift from him,” he told
“It is about having players running in behind for him and Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings were untouchable at times today too. When Phil is in the mood he is a world class player. He probably finished my career a couple of years early, he’s the reason I’ve got screws in my knees and groins.”
Ings and Watkins themselves both got a goal, with Ings also chipping in to the assist column as well on the day.
TBR’s View: Villa Front Three Looks Frightening
If Gerrard can keep this three fit then Villa should really see some excellent results between now and the end of the season.
Coutinho, as we can all see, has upped the ante at Villa Park and others are following suit. Ings will be delighted to be back in the goals and Watkins, well, he just gets better and better.
Things are building nicely under Gerrard and with a good summer, Villa might well be in the fight for Europe next term.