Aston Villa should axe Ross Barkley, 0% and 0.01 stats show why
Ross Barkley can simply not continue in Aston Villa’s starting XI after his dreadful display in the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The loss has to be a massive wake-up call for the club as they were soundly defeated by a club they had beaten 4-0 in a Europa League semi-final only months prior.
Multiple players were awful for Unai Emery’s side, but perhaps none were worse than Barkley, who had a dreadful game in midfield.
The 32-year-old did nothing attacking-wise and was dreadful defensively before he was taken off just before the hour mark.
As a result, he has to be dropped for Aston Villa’s upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Coventry City.
Emery has to make it clear that there are consequences for these performances, and the club cannot allow this decline to continue.
How bad was Ross Barkley vs Nottingham Forest?
Barkley was no doubt dreadful against Forest.
According to Fotmob on 14 September, Barkley had one shot, which was on target, did not create a single chance, failed to complete his one attempted dribble, was dispossessed four times, had a 0.01 xA, and won just five out of his 13 ground duels.
Therefore, if he starts against Coventry, Emery is gifting the hosts a clear weak point in the team.
As a result, not having the midfielder in the starting XI gives Villa a better chance of reaching the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
What is Aston Villa’s record vs Coventry?
This game will be the first time these two West Midlands sides have met in a competitive game since 2001.
Villa hold a far better record against Coventry and have won four of their last seven meetings and are currently unbeaten in their last three.
Villa cannot afford to underestimate their opponents as they still have quality players who can hurt them.
Given both clubs have had awful starts to their new campaigns, a victory will likely be of paramount importance to both teams.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how Villa perform on Wednesday and who Emery decides to pick in his starting XI for the Carabao Cup third round tie.