Premier League: Romelu Lukaku Revives Chelsea's Bid To "Hunt" Down Manchester City

Romelu Lukaku said Chelsea are "the hunters" of Manchester City in the title race after coming off the bench to score his first Premier League goal since September to help beat Aston Villa 3-1.

Romelu Lukaku said Chelsea are "the hunters" of Manchester City in the title race after coming off the bench to score his first Premier League goal since September to help 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 as a second half substitute 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.

"I needed a performance like this today," said Lukaku.

"We are the hunters now. The last results were not the best and now we have to chase. We have to treat every game like a final. Today we won and now we have to push on."

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.