Aston Villa weren’t at their flowing best as they advanced to the next round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

Unai Emery made changes for Villa’s next match against Bayern Munich, keeping only Amadou Onana from the previous weekend’s win over Wolves.

Jhon Duran has been scoring goals for pleasure, but he has been wanting the much-needed start that he received against the League One side.

In the opening minute, Duran was on his bike and attempted a goal, but his effort was unsuccessful, which was surprising given his current form.

Aston Villa battled through a tough and cagey encounter, with captain Emi Buendia opening the score in the second half.

You would have expected the Midlands side to score a few more goals after that, but it wasn’t to be.

The Premier League club had to fight hard for every move of the game before Duran won – and converted – a penalty late on to secure the team’s progress into the next round.

Duran has garnered much praise for his efforts this season, but he has also faced criticism from Alan Bazil and Dean Saunders.

The former strikers were ‘annoyed’ with how Duran gained his penalty against Wycombe, which proved important since the opposition scored in stoppage time.

Saunders accused the 20-year-old of ‘diving’ for his penalty, citing the lack of VAR at Adams Park and the official’s failure to watch the replay (talkSPORT, 25/09/24, 6:15 am).

Jhon Duran wins a penalty for Aston Villa against Wycombe.

“That was a dive, and he’s a good player, by the way,” Saunders asserted. And Brazil said, “No way was that a penalty.” I am not saying he isn’t (a good player). But how can VAR be that wrong? Were there any VARs last night? So there wasn’t.

Saunders said, “If you look at the ref’s perspective, he’s running at Duran’s back.” The linesman must assist him. It’s difficult for a referee, but it shouldn’t be if you have five screens, like they didn’t have last night. That’s the part that bothers me. I can understand why the referee got it wrong.

Brazil then questioned: “If there is no VAR, can’t someone, another official, be viewing the replay and shouting ‘no, no, no’? Why aren’t they able to see the replay? He should be hooked up. What’s the point of VAR then?! “I am losing my will to live.”