Soccer-Coutinho stars as Villa thrash Southampton

Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Southampton - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - March 5, 2022 Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho reacts Action Images via Reuters/Rebecca Naden

BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) -Brazilian midfielder 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.