Andy Gray has criticised Ross Barkley for his reaction to being subbed in Aston Villa’s win on Saturday – and believes that Dean Smith could drop him for the next match.
Smith took Barkley off in the 80th minute of yesterday’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Villa Park.
But the Chelsea loanee didn’t react well, kicking a water bottle on the touchline right in front of the Aston Villa boss.
The 27-year-old was way down the pecking order in West London when Smith brought him to Bodymoor Heath during the summer transfer window.
And Gray has claimed that his reaction was simply bad form.
He said to BeIN Sport: “He’s been given a great opportunity, never got a kick at Chelsea. You can be disappointed but don’t go kicking stuff, especially when the coach sees you. It’ll be interesting to see if the coach plays him in the next game.”
Gray is right in saying that he probably should’ve handled the situation a little better, but Smith won’t drop him.
Aston Villa are only five points behind fourth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.
The Villans could have a very special season, especially with how Jack Grealish and Olle Watkins are playing.
And Smith isn’t going to jeopardise their form by dropping Barkley for kicking a water bottle.
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