To Dean Ashton, Philippe Coutinho’s goal against Arsenal proved that he should be Aston Villa’s starting forward

To Dean Ashton, Philippe Coutinho’s goal against Arsenal proved that he should be Aston Villa’s starting forward. He also adores the way the Brazilian hoodwinked Aaron Ramsdale and scored.

On Saturday, when the Gunners visited the Villa, manager Unai Emery returned Coutinho to the starting lineup. Against Mikel Arteta’s team, the midfielder made his first Premier League opening since October 10th, when he did so for Steven Gerrard’s side. He’s been a reserve for the past 10 games.

Until his goal against Arsenal, Coutinho had not scored or assisted on a goal for Aston Villa in the Premier League this year. The 30-year-old has played 721 minutes in 19 outings this season without contributing to a single goal. Emery had been in command for 150 of those minutes.

After a successful loan, Aston Villa paid Barcelona £17 million in May 2022 to officially acquire Coutinho. The Birmingham club, who had the option to purchase the player for £33 million, negotiated a reduced price for the 69-cap virtuoso. While on loan, Coutinho scored five goals and dished out three assists.

In his first eight games last season, Coutinho scored four goals and sent out three assists for Gerrard’s team. Before scoring against Manchester City, he went 10 Premier League games without assisting on a goal. 

After a long goal drought, Coutinho scored for Aston Villa against Arsenal on Saturday. His shot, which fooled Ramsdale in the visiting goal and put Emery’s team up 2-1, fascinated Ashton as well. In 31st minute, he scored to give his team the lead once more.

To set up his goal, Boubacar Kamara sent a brilliantly weighted pass in behind Ben White on the wing. After a pass from Alex Moreno, the ball found its way to Emiliano Buendia, who dummy-passed it to Coutinho out wide. Then, he fooled the £30 million goalie into a low shot.

“That’s why he’s in the side because he can do things like that,” Ashton said on talkSPORT. “It’s a brilliant bit of play, the Aston Villa players combined brilliantly. Buendia is so clever, he knows exactly where Coutinho is. He lets the ball run through his legs and Coutinho just gives Ramsdale the absolute eyes as though he’s shooting to the goalkeeper’s left and then just rolls it in the opposite corner. Brilliant from Coutinho, brilliant from Aston Villa!” he added.