On Saturday night, Aston Villa did well to come back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League.
The West Midlands club have improved significantly since the arrival of Steven Gerrard, and their fighting spirit and determination was evident against the Red Devils yesterday.
The Aston Villa fans will be delighted with the character shown by the players, and they will be particularly pleased with the performance of their January signing, Philippe Coutinho.
The 29-year-old Barcelona player has joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season. He made a glorious return to English football with an assist and a goal against Manchester United.
Coutinho helped set up the first goal for Aston Villa in the second half and then scored the winner himself ten minutes from time.
The Brazilian midfielder had fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona, and he needed to leave the Spanish club in order to resurrect his career.
His performance against Manchester United will have given him an immense boost, and it will be interesting to see whether the 29-year-old can recapture his confidence and sharpness in the coming weeks.
Speaking to the media after the game, the Brazilian midfielder revealed that he missed the Premier League. Manager Steven Gerrard also heaped praise on his January signing.
“I missed these games, I missed the Premier League,” Coutinho told Sky Sports.
His current manager and former Liverpool teammate, Steven Gerrard added: “You don’t lose talent. The key thing for Phil is he needs to be smiling and enjoying his football. Anyone who goes to work who isn’t in a positive place it’s difficult to perform and be at your best.”
