Duran was sold to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Friday to leave Watkins, for whom Arsenal made a bid earlier in the week, as the only recognised striker at the club. But he did not return after half-time at Molineux due to an apparent groin injury in a game which was settled by goals from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matheus Cunha.
They endured another Champions League hangover as they failed to win for the seventh time after a midweek European adventure this season. Wolves were excellent value for their victory, arresting a four-match losing streak, to move out of the relegation zone. Unai Emery made four substitutions at half-time and saw Donyell Malan have a goal chalked out for offside, but his side were deservedly beaten. Villa were back in action less than 72 hours after their breathless win over Celtic and the hangover hit them hard as they fell behind in the 12th minute.
The hosts battled hard to win the ball, allowing Pablo Sarabia to slide in Bellegarde, who fizzed in an effort which flew past Emiliano Martinez at the near post.
There was still a golden chance to make it as the rebound fell for Goncalo Guedes, but he dragged his shot wide. Guedes missed another glaring chance just before the break as he was sent clear by Sarabia but again missed the target.
Emery was not prepared to allow a repeat of a dismal first-half display and made a quadruple substitution at the break. It did not need much, but Villa improved immediately and had the ball in the back of the net in the 55th minute as Malen finish off a clever free-kick move, only for Rogers to be flagged offside.
