Philippe Coutinho exposes huge Antonio Conte error amid brilliant Aston Villa form

Philippe Coutinho is living up to his billing as one of the Aston Villa’s most exciting ever signings.

The Brazilian superstar was at it again on Saturday, scoring a goal and delivering a mesmeric all-round display as Steven Gerrard’s side hammered Southampton 4-0 at Villa Park.

After the game, Gerrard said Coutinho had rediscovered his brilliant form from his time at Liverpool.

"We've got Phil [Coutinho] back fit and in a really good place - he was back to his Liverpool form today and he was a touch above. The other players have got a lift from him," said Gerrard.

But had things turned out differently in January, Coutinho could have been serving up chances for Harry Kane instead of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

It has been widely reported that Tottenham was a potential destination for the 29-year-old as he looked for a route out of Barcelona.

But, according to The Mirror, Conte “personally blocked” Spurs’ move for him, paving the way for Villa to sign him instead.

That decision has been highlighted since Coutinho’s performance at the weekend, with The Express reporting: "Tottenham’s results in that timespan would also appear to bring Conte’s decision-making into question, with Spurs badly missing his creativity.

“Conte will likely be wishing he had in fact sanctioned a deal to bring Coutinho to Spurs given his starring role at Villa.”

Meanwhile, Football.London said Coutinho’s form would have left Tottenham fans “watching the highlights thinking what could have been”.

The report added: “Coutinho could be pivotal to the final result going on his start to life at Villa so far.

“Given Tottenham's struggles to adequately replace Eriksen two years on from his move to the San Siro, the Brazil ace may have been