Ross Barkley’s reaction to Unai Emery’s substitution goes viral in a game where Aston Villa then lose late on to Man City.
On 86 minutes, Donyell Malen replaced Morgan Rogers, the TV camera then panned towards Barkley, who had quite the look on his face.
Barkley has struggled for consistent starts, appeared visibly frustrated on the bench, shaking his head as Malen entered the game.
Malen, who had scored off the bench earlier in the month, couldn’t replicate his impact, and Matheus Nunes’ 94th-minute winner instead dented Villa’s Champions League hopes.
Barkley’s reaction reflects his ongoing challenge to secure a regular role under Emery, leading to speculation about his future at the club.
Priceless:
Ross Barkley’s reaction to seeing Donyell Malen getting the nod to go on.#MCIAVL #AVFC #Malen pic.twitter.com/8QcgMt2GSB
— Charlie P Mullan (@CharliePMullan) April 22, 2025
Man City head coach Pep Guardiola speaking to Sky Sports:
“We are not used to it! The last minute win belongs to Liverpool. We are not used to it so I am really happy. We are in the last four games, we know Champions League contenders like Aston Villa, they are one of the top teams in Europe.
“We played very good. Aggressive in our duels and back four were unbelievable. Really pleased.
“Football is emotion. The last two games were so difficult so we are really pleased. I was so happy. I have to admit it! Try to not lose as 1-1 was not a bad result but the action from Jeremy was so good.
“The team fought a lot. The performance was really good. It is a fantastic team.
“The season has been bad. It doesn’t matter about the final or if we finish in Champions League. What makes you feel good is the Premier League. It happened and sometimes you have bad seasons. Liverpool will be champions and the level of teams is outstanding.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to Sky Sports:
“We cannot waste time. We competed well and close to drawing. We tried to win with the substitutes. They did the same and they scored.
“We played a competitive match and had our chances. We had to accept it.
“It is a moment to be positive. I will analyse the match. We are trying to focus on the match for Saturday [FA Cup semi-final].
“We are playing at this level and want to try and compete. We try to be demanding to build a strong structure. Today we played and competed but I am so happy. I cannot waste time.”
Twitter users reacted as Ross Barkley’s reaction to Unai Emery’s substitution goes viral before Villa then lose late on to Man City…
@WastonWilla_UTV: I dont get why he aint playing we need to rotate, whats the point of having such a strong squad
@SmallLTFC: Come back home Ross! You know you want to!
@kmltfc12: Should of stayed, absolute baller
@VilladanishDK: That attitude do not helping him.. Malen was a better choice for me to but Disasi should have stopped Doku
@LowerNorth1967: I feel sorry for Ross out with an injury for a long while back chomping at the bit to play and barely had a kick since coming back
@ajack1888: I wonder if he was more pissed off at how long the guy was taking to get ready to come on.
@flashypk: Man revived his career with Luton then made the wrong move to Villa. Sucks
@_willgiles: Come home Ross #ltfc
@geordievillan1: Good to see us with a strong bench where most expect to be starting.
@Benwaites81: Take him back at Leeds!! Solid experience
@js_efc: Can see him in an Everton shirt again next season
@offliineartiist: Would suit Palace
@halfwaycruk: The lad walks into our team like #efc
@MonsterHunch: Wasting a season sitting on Villas bench. Had a sublime season with the hatters. Hopefully he moves on in the summer and starts ballin again.
@LiamT30EFC: Would have him back in a heartbeat, still a serious player ross you know
@caicoeWHU_: Bring.
@reallordgreen: Fine. Come to Premier League Leeds #LUFC
@jwayball: Come back, sweet prince. #ltfc
@ToffeeDaft: I’d have him back on a 2 year deal #efc
@CR2SE25: Yerssssss division in the camp
@BlueBren: One of the biggest wastes of talent I’ve seen, down mainly to his apparent inability to learn from his mistakes and poor decision making. Has a couple of months decent form every two or three years and looks great.
@jackowills22: I’d take him at Everton next season if we got a free. He showed last year he’s still decent
@smythy2: To be fair.. we could of done with him the last 2 or 3 years #efc
Emiliano Martinez & Morgan Rogers #MCIAVL pic.twitter.com/WDCFExwtJV
— #APORLA16 (@a7jcc) April 23, 2025
HAVE YOUR SAY –
Barkley on his way out in the summer? If so, would you have him at your club? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter
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