Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard praised Tammy Abraham’s growing influence. The Blues rediscovered their winning touch against Aston Villa.
It was a tough week for Chelsea who was looking to avoid three top-flight defeats in a row for the first time in four years.
Abraham reinforced his importance to Lampard’s side. He scored the opener and set up the second on his return from injury.
The 22-year-old missed the Blue’s home defeat by West Ham with a hip injury. However, on his return, he placed Chelsea against Villa with a firm header from Reece James’ cross.
Villa equalized against the run of play when Trezeguet bundled in. Chelsea regained the lead shortly after the restart when Abraham neatly chested Willian’s cross into Mason Mount’s path who thumped home a volley.
“Tammy is a personality that’s growing in our dressing room every day. He has the enthusiasm and the will to win.” Said Lampard.
“He is a striker that’s near the top of the goalscoring charts in the league. Abraham is showing his all-round game, stretches defenses and he starts our press.”
Chelsea dominated possession and territory as they looked to increase their advantage.
Twice, Abraham came close to adding a third while Willian hit the post with an exquisite free-kick.
The Blues ended a run of back-to-back defeats with a victory which helps them consolidate fourth place.
Villa, who has won just once on the road this season remains in 15th place. The club has a point above the relegation zone after Southampton’s win.
Chelsea manager-Frank Lampard.
“I thought we were great. I’m pleased because that was us again. We had a blip against West Ham and today we were back.”
“Our character at half-time was important and we carried off where we left off. The disappointment of the day is we didn’t score two or three.”
“Villa is stubborn. They have picked up results on the road and you can see why. They have good players and are well organized.”
Aston Villa manager- Dean Smith
“I thought it was a fair result. The better team won.”
“Villa had pockets of play throughout the game but not enough relentless pressure. We didn’t start either half well and they put us under pressure. We gave the ball away too cheaply but got back into the game. When we showed a bit of relief, we showed we could give them problems.”
“They had the initiative; we knew they would start well after losing a London derby on Saturday.”
“You don’t get much from officials here and I wasn’t happy with their performance tonight.