Aston Villa came from behind to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-1 in Tuesday night’s EFL Cup second-round clash and Emiliano Buendia was one of many players who impressed.
The 25-year-old didn’t start the game but made a big impact from the bench and managed to create as many chances as the player he replaced in the 70th minute.
Buendia was introduced midway through the second half for Coutinho and made two chances, had one shot on target, made one assist, completed 73.3% of his 15 passes, won one freekick and had one successful dribble, so he outperformed the Brazilian on the night despite playing 50 minutes less.
Coutinho also created two chances but didn’t manage an assist and hasn’t contributed a goal in any competition this season.
The Argentine international now has one goal and one assist from four games across the board this season, however, so supporters are crying out for him to start against West Ham United on Sunday.
Buendia, who had a hand in 10 goals from 34 Premier League games last season, would be preferred over Coutinho based on recent form, but time will tell if Steven Gerrard makes that change. He’s only started one of Villa’s three league outings while Coutinho has started twice.
In other news, Ashley Young shone in first start of the season v Bolton
