PL hits & misses: Is Coutinho back to his best? | Spurs' defence crumbles

Coutinho back to his best?

"If you don't love watching that you shouldn't be watching football."

Steven Gerrard was effusive in his praise for Philippe Coutinho's performance in Aston Villa's thrilling 3-3 draw against Leeds. Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher was also somewhat lost for words after his magical turn and pass to set up Jacob Ramsey's first goal.

The Brazilian was the star of what was a breathtaking first half of football.

There were a few contenders too as Dan James, who caused Villa problems every time he got on the ball, and Ramsey staked their claims with two goals apiece. However, it was the Brazilian who had the Villa fans on their feet on more than one occasion on a dramatic evening at Villa Park.

Coutinho's goal, which brought Villa level, was a wonderful finish after a perfect first touch to take Matty Cash's cross under control set the strike up. The pass to release Ramsey for Villa's third was also perfectly weighted, but the turn and through ball for Ramsey's first was magical. It was sublime.

After a difficult spell at Barcelona following his move from Liverpool, there were doubts as to whether Coutinho could rediscover his brilliant best, but not from Gerrard. Coutinho's former Liverpool team-mate still had plenty to give, and he is being proved right after his brilliant start to life at Aston Villa.

"Looking at Philippe's performance tonight, not just his goal and assists, that was absolutely beautiful, some of the stuff he has done. It was vintage Philippe Coutinho tonight," he said. "He's certainly getting back close to where he was when the whole world was speaking about him."

The Brazilian has not been back in English football long, but he is quickly showing his quality once again, and it is