Steven Gerrard sent Aston Villa instruction after Philippe Coutinho 'disappointment'

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor claims Philippe Coutinho was a "big disappointment" in the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

The newly-promoted side were good value for their win and the scoreline was as comfortable as it sounds for Scott Parker's men. Villa failed to create any meaningful chances to harm Mark Travers' goal, while Jefferson Lerma and Kieffer Moore scored the goals for the hosts.

Coutinho was illusive at the Vitality Stadium and the Brazilian has scored just one goal in his last 12 Premier League games. Ex-striker Agbonlahor has urged Gerrard to consider resting the former Liverpool ace if his form does not improve.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Gameday phone-in, Agbonlahor said: "The big disappointment was Coutinho. He’s been brought in by Steven Gerrard and he was non-existent and didn’t really get on the ball.

"He needs to dominate games. He’s keeping a new signing from last year in Emi Buendia on the bench so he has to be taking the games by the scruff of the neck, getting on the ball, making things happen. He had a shot in the second half and it went horribly wide and you think, this isn’t Coutinho.

"Steven Gerrard has got faith in him but how long can you keep playing him? He’s not getting the numbers that he needs to play in that position."