Romelu Lukaku sends title warning to Chelsea’s rivals after proving point to Thomas Tuchel

In pictures: Aston Villa v Chelsea

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Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku said “we are the hunters now” in a warning to title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. Lukaku scored his first Premier League since September, as Thomas Tuchel’s side came back from behind to impressively overcome Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park.

It was a vital victory for the Blues who had toppled down to third place, having dropped frustrating points against Manchester United, West Ham, Everton, and Wolves in recent weeks.

While Tuchel’s side stuttered during the early Winter months, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s side have been relentless in recent weeks winning matches like they were going out of fashion.

Chelsea are currently six points behind first place City, while their victory over Steven Gerrard’s men means they are now joint second place with Liverpool.

And Lukaku sent an ominous message to Klopp and Guardiola alike, stating they will always be on their tails this season.

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“I think we are the hunters now. It’s clear the last results for us weren’t great,” Lukaku said after the match.

“Now we chase. We have to treat every game like a final. Today we had to do a job and win the game.”

Lukaku was given the man of the match after a relentless and determined display against the Villans.

He was introduced at the beginning of the second half by Tuchel who had chosen to deploy Christian Pulisic as a false nine in the starting eleven.

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As well as firing Chelsea into a second-half lead, he also won the crucial penalty in the dying minutes of the contest that enabled Jorginho to seal the points with his second spot-kick of the contest.

The Belgian showed tremendous pace, power, and dexterity to burst ahead of the defence and carry the ball into the penalty area, before Ezri Konsa scythed him down as he was about to shoot.

“That’s my preferred action running in spaces and using my speed and power,” a jubilant Lukaku said on his incredible run before the penalty.

“I think I needed a performance like this today. The manager has his reasons but I kept working hard. It’s a good win and personally for me I’m happy.

“Balls from crosses and the movement in the box – I try to be less static.”

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While Liverpool’s Boxing Day clash against Leeds United was postponed, City sent an explosive message of their own against Leicester City.

After a brief scare which saw Brendan Rodgers side reduce the reigning Premier League champions’ 4-0 lead to 4-3, City went on to secure a 6-3 victory.

Despite their lapse in concentration, the Citizens look like the team to beat having put together a stunning nine-match winning streak.

Tuchel’s side host Brighton and Hove Albion on the 29th December, before returning to Stamford Bridge for a tumultuous contest against Liverpool on the 2nd January.

Meanwhile, City face a tricky away trip to Brentford, before beginning 2022 with a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face an in-form Arsenal side.

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