Aston Villa fans spot what Ross Barkley did on bench during Man City defeat and it's divided supporters

Aston Villa fans noticed what Ross Barkley did while on the bench against Manchester City and it has sparked debate.

Unai Emery's men saw their Champions League hopes dampened after a last minute winner from City's Matheus Nunes at the Etihad.

Villa had equalised through Marcus Rashford from the penalty spot, and had looked capable of taking all three points.

The result leaves Villa in seventh, two points behind fifth placed Newcastle, whilst City leepfrog to third after their late winner.

During the game Emery used all five of his potential substitutions, however, once again Barkley was left on the sidelines.

The former Everton starlet rejoined the club in the summer on a free transfer, after spending the 20/21 season on loan at Villa Park.

Barkley has made just three starts in the Premier League so far with 14 appearances coming from the bench, but even his cameos have become harder to come by since his return from injury.

During the game at the Etihad the camera panned to the bench while Donyell Malen was being readied to come on, and fans instantly spotted Barkley's displeasure.

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

The England international was seen rolling his eyes and shaking his head, and Villa fans were quick to take to social media after spotting his frustrations.

One fan said: "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."

Another added: "Trouble in paradise?, Rodgers looked livid to be taken off as well."

A third fan commented: "I dont get why he aint playing we need to rotate, what's the point of having such a strong squad."

"I wonder if he was more p**sed off at how long the guy was taking to get ready to come on," a fourth fan posted.