Frank Lampard hailed Christian Pulisic as a “top-class player” after Chelsea’s success over Aston Villa while demanding the winger was “eager” to make an impact after so long away from the pitch.
Chelsea marked their arrival to serious action following the coronavirus-authorized break in the season by making sure about a 2-1 away win against Villa on Saturday afternoon.
The outcome saw Lampard’s side move five points clear of Manchester United and Wolves in the race for fourth while shutting the gap on third place Leicester to only three.
The Blues were made to work for the victory, in any case, as the hosts took an unexpected 43rd moment lead against the run of play.
Villa had been pegged back in their own half until Kortney Hause packaged the ball into the net after their first meaningful attack of the game.
Chelsea pulled together at the interval and came out for the second time frame with restored reason, yet Lampard choose further inspiration was required in the 55th moment, as he acquainted Ross Barkley and Pulisic with the action.
Pulisic found the back of the net inside five minutes of going ahead, smashing a pinpoint Cesar Azpilicueta cross into the net at the back post to level the scores.
Olivier Giroud finished the Blues’ comeback minutes later, turning gracefully in the case before turning the ball home with the aid of an evil avoidance.
Lampard singled Pulisic out for praise post-match while admitting that it was a troublesome choice for him to overlook the United States international from his starting line up.
The Chelsea supervisor told journalists: “He was ravenous, I realize that and I felt for him. He has trained well. The ability to arrive in the crate is a major thing. It is a contrast between being an awesome player on the flank and a top-class player.”
