Premier League: Philippe Coutinho stars as Aston Villa thrash Southampton

Philippe Coutinho scored one and made another to help Aston Villa thrash Southampton 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday. Villa were far superior to Saints in the first half, and could have scored more than two in the opening period, but a fine early finish from Ollie Watkins and a slick team goal just before the break put the hosts in command nonetheless.

There was no letting up after halftime as Coutinho, who delightfully set up Douglas Luiz for Villa's second, then got in on the act, showing quick feet before finding the net to put the game to bed seven minutes into the second half. Danny Ings' side-footed finish two minutes later put the result beyond all doubt, with Villa able to take their foot off the gas for the remainder of the match.

A second successive victory moves Villa up to 11th in the standings, two points behind Southampton in ninth after Ralph Hasenhuettl's side suffered their first defeat in eight in all competitions.