Lukaku revives Chelsea's title bid at Aston Villa

BeSoccer 2 years ago 11.1k
Back with a bang: Romelu Lukaku scored Chelsea's winner at Aston Villa. AFP

Romelu Lukaku came on to score his first Premier League goal since September to keep Chelsea in the title race as the European champions came from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-1.

Reece James' own goal put Villa ahead, but Jorginho quickly levelled from the penalty spot in a clash between two of the many English sides hit by cases of coronavirus.

Lukaku was one of Chelsea's absentees due to a positive test for draws against Everton and Wolves last week that saw them lose ground in the title race.

But he made his return off the bench at the break and made an almost instant impact to head home Callum Hudson Odoi's cross.

The Belgian's blistering run then won a second Chelsea penalty in stoppage time that Jorginho slotted home.

Thomas Tuchel's men move level on points with Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and back to within six of Manchester City, who were 6-3 winners over Leicester earlier on Boxing Day.

Villa's own Covid outbreak saw manager Steven Gerrard forced into isolation after he tested positive on Christmas Day.

 

Mentioned in the news story

Premier League
Aston Villa
R. Lukaku
Jorginho
Reece James