Aston Villa were disappointed to throw away a 3-1 lead over Leeds United to draw 3-3 on Wednesday evening, but the performance of Philippe Coutinho was a major positive. The 29-year-old had a hand in all three goals on the night and was given a player rating of 9/10 by Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live.
Coutinho’s goal saw him collect a low cross from Matty Cash, finishing well into the bottom corner to equalise. He played a brilliant through ball to Jacob Ramsey, who scored to put Villa ahead. And the Brazilian international found the onrushing Ramsey with a square pass in the middle of the park during a counter attack to go 3-1 up.
Gary Lineker of Match of the Day was full of praise for Coutinho, calling him a ‘delightful’ player. Martin Laurence of WhoScored can’t believe a player of the Brazilian’s calibre plays for Villa. BT Sport clipped his goal and said he took it ‘brilliantly’.
Ty Bracey of The Villa View said Coutinho was a ‘magician’ and called on Steven Gerrard to sign him permanently. Melissa Reddy of the Independent believes he’s in love with his football again. And Jamie Carragher of Sky Sports could only say ‘wow’ to his performance.
Coutinho has made three appearances in all competitions for Villa, scoring two goals with two assists. He’s had a great start to life in the Midlands and Gerrard will be hoping that continues.
In other news, media wax lyrical over ‘talented’ Jacob Ramsey after Leeds draw
