Steven Gerrard has refused to single out Phillipe Coutinho after Jamie Carragher claimed the midfielder was ‘miles off it’ during Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.
The former Liverpool pair are both under increasing pressure at Villa, with the Midlands club in 16th after just two wins and seven goals from their opening nine league games. Coutinho’s influence has come under scrutiny since his loan from Barcelona was made permanent in the summer for £17million.
The Brazilian started at the City Ground last night, but failed to make any significant impact again before being substituted on the hour mark. He is yet to register a goal or an assist in 10 appearances and has only played the full 90 minutes on one occasion, with constant calls among the Villa Park faithful that he be dropped for Emi Buendia.
