Cleaning the image of an improved Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian put in a good performance after recent chatter about his poor form
Ernesto Valverde gave him the chance to perform against after his horrible display in the Copa del Rey against Levante and Philippe Coutinho took advantage.
The Brazilian, who came into the side in place of Ousmane Dembele, put in a good performance against Eibar. But that wasn't even the best news in itself, instead it was the change in his body language after looking sunk in Valencia.
Cou's good performance gives Valverde a problem - and what a problem. There is just one gap in the attack - Messi and Suarez rest very rarely - and even though Ousmane Dembele is still the favourite for the left wing spot, the debate is open again.
A double one-two with Suarez led to the opening goal. Eight passes by Barca in 11 seconds, three, all first touch, were between Cou and the Uruguayan, who finished neatly.
Coutinho was fired up and in different phases worked with Messi too, and that's how the second goal came about. Coutinho to Suarez to Messi.
With the game on track, the Brazilian started to show his skills. A great sombrero against Escalante that nearly ended up in a goal.
In the final stages Valverde sent Dembele on for Arthur, with a line of three - Coutinho, Messi, Dembele - behind Suarez. There's no rule saying that Coutinho and Dembele can't be on the pitch at the same time...
