Aston Villa were fortunate to draw 0-0 with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening and Ross Barkley was one of many players who underperformed.
The 27-year-old was wasteful in possession, failed to turn over the ball and has now gone eight games without an assist.
Against Brighton, Barkley played for 75 minutes, had 36 touches, failed to win a tackle, won just two of his seven duels, completed only 19 passes passes, created two chances, had two shots, lost possession 12 times and failed to make an interception (Sofascore).
The England international has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Villa, scoring four goals and supplying one assist. He has netted just once in the Premier League since October and hasn’t supplied an assist since November, but he still keeps his place in the side regularly. [Transfermarkt]
Barkley was hooked in the second half on account of his anonymous showing and was criticised by these Aston Villa fans on social media for his performance, with one describing him as an “absolute passenger”:
Not many #avfc players playing well at all. Martinez, Cash, McGinn maybe? But that was one of the all time most dreadful halves of football by Ross Barkley. Stinking.
— Alex Berwick (@Alex_Berwick) February 13, 2021
It's not an agenda against Barkley it's just pointing out the obvious! He's not playing well and his work rate is so, so bad! https://t.co/llTi9HJTh9
— GAContentCreator (@CreatorGa) February 13, 2021
McGinn and Barkley were terrible today how mcGinn played the full 90 has shocked me
— Charlie (@12cw04) February 13, 2021
Is an absolute passenger both offensively and defensively. We are better with Jack down the middle. Can float between the lines and is harder for them to stand a man in him without it costing them somewhere else on the field
— Aston Villa Supporters – Qatar Lions (@AstonLions) February 13, 2021
I think he’s been poor since his return from injury but tonight there’s not even a glimpse of quality on the ball. Playing like he was told earlier today there’s no prospect of a permanent transfer. Strolling.
— Kevin Hughes (@KevHughesie) February 13, 2021
https://twitter.com/CianByNature/status/1360691141042188302?s=20
