Chelsea: Romelu Lukaku admits Thomas Tuchel snub was ‘difficult’ after scoring at Aston Villa
‘We are the hunters now’: Romelu Lukaku insists Chelsea will treat every game as a final in their attempt to catch Man City … as the match winner admits he was frustrated at being let out side by Blues boss Thomas Tuchel
- Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and scored in Chelsea’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa
- Lukaku, 28, had not scored in the Premier League since September
- The Belgian striker fell out of favor under Thomas Tuchel in west London
- He is desperate to return to the starting XI after several substitute appearances
Romelu Lukaku has said Chelsea relished being the ‘hunters’ in the Premier League title race after coming back on the scoresheet in their 3-1 Boxing Day win at Aston Villa.
Lukaku, 28, headed his first league goal since September to help the Blues claim a valuable victory at Villa Park, placing them level on points with Liverpool and six behind leaders Manchester City.
The Belgian striker has failed to get back on Thomas Tuchel’s plans since returning from an ankle injury in November, with his last league start coming in October, when he has also missed their last two matches. after testing positive for Covid-19.
Romelu Lukaku says Chelsea love to be the ‘hunters’ in Premier League title race
Lukaku headed his first league goal since September in the Blues’ 3-1 win at Aston Villa
And after coming off the bench to come home against Villa on Boxing Day, Lukaku admitted he was now desperate to get back into the starting lineup after being frustrated by late replacement cameos.
“I think I needed a performance like this today. It was difficult to finish the game, every footballer wants to be on the pitch, ”he told Sky Sports.
“The manager has his reasons, but I continued to work hard and today it was first good to win, then for me personally, I’m happy with my performance and I want to continue.
The Belgian striker then launched a subtle dig at Thomas Tuchel on his lack of playing time
“(The goal was) movement. I think balls from crosses and stuff, over the years my movement into the box has been better. I try to be less static and be on the move all the time.
“The cross was a shiny cross and I just put it in.
“I think that’s one of my favorite things to do, running in space and using my speed and power. The defender made contact, then Jorgi (nho) finished for us.
Chelsea could hardly afford another mistake at Villa if they had the ambition to win the title. The recent draws against Manchester United, Everton and Wolves dropped them to third place, but Sunday’s victory kept them in the race to become champions.
Lukaku added: “We are the hunters now. The last results for us weren’t the best and now we have to keep going. Every game for us by the end of the season is a final, you have to treat them as finals because every Premier League match is very difficult.
“But today we won and now we have to go on and on.
“Today we had to do a job, we had to win the game. Aston Villa have done very well in the last two games, thanks to Steven Gerrard and his staff and their players, they have a very good team and it was not easy for us.
“Now we have to keep going and make sure every game is a final. Win, and that’s it.
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