Philippe Coutinho stole the show, while Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings also impressed, as Aston Villa thrashed Southampton 4-0 in the Premier League.
Aston Villa got off to a bright start, taking the lead just eight minutes in when Ollie Watkins rifled the ball into the net after being set up by strike-partner Danny Ings. The Englishman had a chance to add to his tally not long after when Philippe Coutinho played him through, but Fraser Forster stood in his path. At the other end, Southampton had one half-chance, but Che Adams could not find the target.
Coutinho, who was in his element from the off, had a couple of chances to score, but the Barcelona loanee saw an effort go just over while Forster stopped another. Moments later, though, the Brazilian set up his compatriot Douglas Luiz, who made it 2-0. Coutinho had another opportunity in the final stages of the first period, but sent his shot wide.
However, the ex-Liverpool playmaker did get his goal early in the second half, displaying some silky footwork before beating Forster through his legs. Ings then made it 4-0 minutes later, turning in a cutback from Matty Cash. Southampton hardly threatened for the rest of the game and were very much in damage-limitation mode, while their hosts were able to see the game off without adding to the scoreline.
Aston Villa move up to the 11th spot in the table with the win, level on points with Crystal Palace in tenth but behind on goal difference.
Aston Villa Player Ratings
Emiliano Martinez: 6/10
The Argentine hardly had anything to do on the afternoon, with Southampton not posing much of a goal threat. Martinez did produce a stunning stop to deny Che Adams in the second period.
Matty Cash: 7.5/10
Another all-action display from the right-back, who was purposeful going forward and solid on the defensive side of things. Cash was always eager to join up in attack, and this outlook helped him set Ings up for the fourth goal with a good cross. He also made strong challenges at the back.
Calum Chambers: 7.5/10
Getting the nod in the absence of Ezri Konsa, the former Arsenal man put in an eye-catching display. Chambers dealt with Che Adams fairly well throughout and played a role in the second goal with a stunning outside-of-the-boot pass in the buildup.
calum chambers is a centre back btw, that pass is absolutely ridiculous pic.twitter.com/eIvMCwDceQ
— adam (@adamavfc__) March 5, 2022
Tyrone Mings: 7/10
Solid and assured at the heart of the defence, the Aston Villa skipper did not put a foot wrong against Southampton. After a run of shaky displays, the England international will look to build on this, having helped the team to back-to-back clean sheets.
Ashley Young: 6.5/10
Stepping into the team with Lucas Digne missing, the veteran star did not do much wrong on the afternoon, although there were a few moments when he had problems up against Tino Livramento. Young did not provide the same level of attacking threat that Digne would have.
John McGinn: 7/10
Settling into a more reserved role, the Scotsman shielded the defence well, putting his physicality to good use. He also started to have more influence going forward after the break and played a role in the lead-up to the third goal.
Douglas Luiz: 7.5/10
A solid display from the Brazilian enforcer, who did what was needed on the defensive side of things without much fuss. Luiz also got his name on the scoresheet late in the first half, putting the ball into an empty net to bag his first goal of the season.
Jacob Ramsey: 7/10
Another step in the right direction for the young midfielder, who showed great intent each time he got on the ball, trying to drive Villa forward. Ramsey was also willing to do the dirty work in the middle of the park when required.
Philippe Coutinho: 9/10
Philippe Coutinho’s game by numbers vs Southampton:
100% long balls completed (3/3)
100% final third passes completed (14/14)
91% pass accuracy
5 ball recoveries
4 shots
4 attempted take-ons
2 successful take-ons
2 chances created
1 goal
1 assistHe’s still got it. ? pic.twitter.com/gREHeoWuk4
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 5, 2022
The Barcelona loanee is starting to enjoy his game again as he worked his magic at Villa Park on Saturday, thoroughly dismantling Southampton. Each time he got on the ball and drove forward, Coutinho looked like he would make something happen, playing clever passes to create openings or jinking past the opposition players with so much ease.
Coutinho got the assist for Douglas Luiz’s goal and got his name on the scoresheet early in the second half. The Brazilian playmaker could have easily had a hat-trick on another day—tremendous display.
Ollie Watkins: 8/10
Two in two for Ollie Watkins! ?#AVLSOU pic.twitter.com/TETnTTvWX3
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 5, 2022
The Player to Watch in our match preview, Ollie Watkins was a nuisance on the afternoon as Southampton found it hard to cope with him. The England international excelled in his hold-up play, while his power and directness also caused problems to the visitors. He scored his second goal in as many games with a well-taken strike early on and is slowly getting back to his best.
Danny Ings: 8.5/10
Coming up against his former employers, Ings showed the value he brings to this side as he pressed incessantly from the top, trying to force turnovers. He was willing to drop deep to get on the ball when the situation demanded. The Englishman did well to set Watkins up for the first goal and then assisted Coutinho for the third before getting his name on the scoresheet to make it 4-0.
?? Danny Ings vs Southampton…⭐️?#avfc #UTV pic.twitter.com/NsT6H8d6l2
— Talk Villa (@thetalkvilla) March 5, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Morgan Sanson: 6/10
The midfielder, whose future has been called into question, replaced Ings in the 72nd minute and helped Villa see out the game.
Leon Bailey: N/A
Bailey came on for Ramsey with a little over ten minutes left.
Emiliano Buendia: N/A
The Argentine came on for Coutinho in the 81st minute.
