Aston Villa surrendered an early lead in a defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday.
John McGinn put them in front inside a minute, but goals from Phil Foden and Rodri turned the game around.
It was Villa’s third loss in four matches and it saw them slip them into the bottom half of the table.
Mings appears to fume at Barkley
During the second half, centre-back Tyrone Mings was captured in the midst of what looked like an outburst.
Mings appeared to mouth the word ‘Ross’, indicating he may have been directing his fury at team-mate Ross Barkley.
And Holtecast host Cole Pettem understands his reaction.
“If it’s at Ross, it’s fair enough,” he said on Friday’s episode.
“There was a number of instances where he didn’t even bother tracking back or making an effort to take the ball back.
“Do I think it’s personal? Probably not. You’re in a game mindset.
“I could totally understand that.”
How did Barkley do against City?
Barkley started the game on the bench but was introduced by Dean Smith in place of Marvelous Nakamba on 63 minutes.
The £18million-rated Englishman completed 15 out of 18 passes and created a chance, but he also lost both of his ground duels (via SofaScore).
Dean Smith’s England vow may not be fulfilled
Barkley got off to a strong start in the Midlands following his loan move from Chelsea, scoring on his full debut against Liverpool before netting a late winner away to Leicester the following week.
But since picking up a hamstring injury in November, he’s only been able to pitch in with one goal contribution (via Transfermarkt).
And he hasn’t started for Villa since the 2-1 home reverse against Leicester on 21 February.
Dean Smith told Barkley that he would be able to get him back into the England squad, but it’s all fallen rather flat for him at Villa Park.