Ross Barkley

[richtheholtender]

Overall he is playing his part in a team exceeding expectations. He was worth signing and at the end of it if we aren’t happy we walk away.

[tomd2103]

Same as usual today, shows flashes of absolute class but doesn't get involved enough in showing for the ball and his work without it leaves a little to be desired.

Also for a physically big lad, he gets knocked off the ball more than he should

He isn’t giving us that energy we need in that position at the moment.  It may be that he’s struggling with his sharpness after his injury, but we need someone buzzing around and putting pressure on the opposition.

[Steve67]

It will be interesting to know what the bottle kicking was about when he was substituted. Is he disappointed with his performance? Is he fed up by being taken off when he didn’t feel he deserve to? Or, does he think he’s far too good to be taken off for the likes of Aston Villa football club? If it’s the latter, I think he will find that we have caught him up and he has stood still, which is why he is with us in the first place!

[brontebilly]

It will be interesting to know what the bottle kicking was about when he was substituted. Is he disappointed with his performance? Is he fed up by being taken off when he didn’t feel he deserve to? Or, does he think he’s far too good to be taken off for the likes of Aston Villa football club? If it’s the latter, I think he will find that we have caught him up and he has stood still, which is why he is with us in the first place!

He had a right sulk when taken off against Newcastle and West Ham too. Time for a spell on the bench. The guy is deluded about his ability as a footballer, reality check watching others from the bench might help focus his mind. Where does his career go if we don't sign him? Chelsea definitely won't want him back....he's looking at a bottom half team for sure to take him on.

[Moonraker]

I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt; he's had a poor game and disappointed with himself so he lashed out - he is a quality player, lets judge him at the end of the season and make a decision then.

[PeterWithe]

The players will be aware of their stats and what the manager expects of them. He's frustrated he isn't doing better.

[Pete3206]

I'd be more disappointed if he came off smiling and laughing. He's a quality player and the additional competition from the likes of Sansom, should spur him on to better performances.

[olaftab]

Barkley was quite right to be very annoyed with himself.

[Risso]

Barkley was quite right to be very annoyed with himself.

If indeed that's what it was. I can't prove it, but I suspect not.

[jwarry]

I agree he showed he cares about playing for this football club. But, and here is the sting in the tail, I’ve seen enough from young Jacob to suggest he’s as good as Barkley was at his age, and he’s only going to get better so I’m not sure I would spend £30m and end up stifling a potentially even bigger talent

[Goldenballs]

Stroppy mare. I don't think he was frustrated with himself, I think he was being a cock.

Obviously I don't expect him to be skipping and giggling as he comes off, but if you're largely a passenger for 80 mins you're going to be subbed. Especially if we're trying to improve the size and quality of the squad, and potentially compete in Europe.

[stubbsyandy]

I know he can play and has had some good moments for us but there’s a question mark lurking

[CT]

Agreed that I’d be annoyed if he came off laughing after another average performance.

We may never know why he actually kicked the bottle, but Dean’s reaction said it all, and is good enough for me.

[Dante Lavelli]

Where can I find data on his distance covered, number of sprints, etc?

It’d be interesting to compare him versus the other midfielders, and players in that 10 position, as he seems to be on his heels a lot of the time.

[eamonn]

He's sulked every time he's come off. I think it's arrogance more than being annoyed with himself. He comes across as being not the most articulate in interviews. His arse is bigger than McGinn's but he doesn't make the most of it. Ironically, he is a bit of an arse. I'd rather spend £40m on someone better in the summer.