Having gone two Premier League games without a win, Chelsea were back in fine form on Boxing Day as they came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Jorginho took his tally for the season up to nine with a brace from the penalty spot at Villa Park, but it was Romelu Lukaku's first league goal in three-and-a-half months that stole the show.
After kicking off his return to the Premier League in emphatic style - notching three goals in his first three league games back in a Chelsea shirt - the Belgian frontman has struggled to live up to his eye-watering price tag as injuries and coronavirus have hampered his progress.
The sight of his main man getting back amongst the goals will undoubtedly have pleased Thomas Tuchel, though there was another aspect of Chelsea's display that will also have brought a smile to the German boss' face.
Callum Hudson-Odoi linked up well with Lukaku and the pair showed glimpses of what could become a lethal partnership.
Carefree Chelsea editor Scott Clayton (SC) spoke to writer and presenter Daniel Childs (DC) on Sunday evening's match reaction show as the pair reflected on a solid away victory against Steven Gerrard's side, with Lukaku's return to the scoresheet top of the agenda.
SC: “In that second half he [Lukaku] showed what Chelsea were missing, that focal point who can hold up the ball and link up play. I remember outside of the box he linked up well with [Christian] Pulisic who could then run into the box.
“That’s not something that we’ve had in the last couple of games. Pulisic doesn’t have that in his locker, holding the ball up with strength and things like that, but he is a very good player.
“It’s not his game. That goal was [Didier] Drogba-esque. He ran in front of his man and headed it in. Lukaku and Hudson-Odoi’s link-up play in the second half was really good. He won the man of the match award as well.
“It’s a welcome sight to see him back because we have been lacking somebody who is going to finish those chances. We can’t just rely on Jorginho penalties.
“We need goals from elsewhere, don’t we?”
DC: “You spoke about that combination between Hudson-Odoi and Lukaku there. It’s not a link we’ve seen mainly because Lukaku was out injured when Hudson-Odoi came into that left-wing position.
“That combination seems to flow. They get on in training.”
SC: “I’m looking forward to seeing that partnership blossom.”
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