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Lukaku has not started a league game since picking up an injury
in October and missed the last two games after testing positive
for COVID-19.
But the Belgian transformed his team's display after coming on
at halftime at Villa Park, providing a constant threat, putting
his side ahead and then earning the late penalty that secured
the three points for Thomas Tuchel's side.
Third-placed Chelsea, who had drawn with Everton and
Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous two games, are now
level with second placed Liverpool on 41 points -- six behind
leaders Manchester City.
Villa had taken the lead in the 28th minute with some good
fortune when Matt Targett's cross struck the head of Chelsea
defender Reece James and flew past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The visitor's drew level six minutes later, though, when Matty
Cash clumsily brought down Callum Hudson-Odoi inside the box and
Jorginho coolly converted the penalty.
Halftime substitute Lukaku made a swift impact, getting in front
of Tyrone Mings to angle in a fine, glancing header from a
Hudson-Odoi cross to put Chelsea ahead in the 56th minute.
Mason Mount should have added a third but shot wide after Villa
keeper Emiliano Martinez had raced out of his area and failed to
clear.
Hudson-Odoi should also have done better when he was found in
space at the back post but his shot was comfortably dealt with
by Martinez.
In stoppage time, Lukaku powered his way from his own half
before he was brought down inside the box by Villa defender Ezri
Konsa. Jorginho again made no mistake to secure three points.
"I needed a performance like this," said Lukaku, "It’s been
difficult getting (on at) the end of games. I kept working hard.
I’m happy with my performance and have to push on," he added.
The former Manchester United and Inter Milan striker said
Chelsea remained in the race to catch leaders City.
"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," he said.
(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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