(Reuters) – Romelu Lukaku got here off the bench to lead Chelsea to a much-needed 3-1 victory at Aston Villa with midfielder Jorginho scoring two penalties within the Premier League on Sunday.
Lukaku has not began a league sport since selecting up an damage in October and missed the final two video games after testing optimistic for COVID-19.
But the Belgian remodeled his workforce’s show after approaching at halftime at Villa Park, offering a relentless menace, placing his aspect forward after which incomes the late penalty that secured the three factors for Thomas Tuchel’s aspect.
Third-placed Chelsea, who had drawn with Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers of their earlier two video games, are actually stage with second positioned Liverpool on 41 factors — six behind leaders Manchester City.
Villa had taken the lead within the twenty eighth minute with some luck when Matt Targett’s cross struck the top of Chelsea defender Reece James and flew previous goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The customer’s drew stage six minutes later, although, when Matty Cash clumsily introduced down Callum Hudson-Odoi contained in the field and Jorginho coolly transformed the penalty.
Halftime substitute Lukaku made a swift influence, getting in entrance of Tyrone Mings to angle in a tremendous, glancing header from a Hudson-Odoi cross to put Chelsea forward within the 56th minute.
Mason Mount ought to have added a 3rd however shot broad after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez had raced out of his space and failed to clear.
Hudson-Odoi also needs to have executed higher when he was present in house at the again submit however his shot was comfortably handled by Martinez.
In stoppage time, Lukaku powered his means from his personal half earlier than he was introduced down contained in the field by Villa defender Ezri Konsa. Jorginho once more made no mistake to safe three factors.
“I wanted a efficiency like this,” stated Lukaku, “It’s been troublesome getting (on at) the tip of video games. I saved working exhausting. I’m pleased with my efficiency and have to push on,” he added.
The former Manchester United and Inter Milan striker stated Chelsea remained within the race to catch leaders City.
“We are the hunters now. The final outcomes weren’t one of the best and now we now have to chase. We have to deal with each sport like a closing. Today we received and now we now have to push on,” he stated.
(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
