Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has backed “hungry” Christian Pulisic to play a big part in the Blues’ bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League after the forward scored in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
The visitors controlled the first half but fell behind when Kepa failed to hold Anwar El Ghazi’s shot and Kortney Hause was on hand to bundle in.
Lampard sent Pulisic on in the 55th minute and five minutes later the United States international equalised when he lashed Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross into the roof of the net.
Olivier Giroud then sealed victory two minutes later when he drove in from 15 yards with the help of a slight deflection.
Pulisic was playing his first game since New Year’s Day after recovering from injury and Lampard is confident he will be an important player for him in the run-in.
“He will start games for us, of course, and I think he’s going to be a big player for us, not just in this run-in but going forward,” he said.
“He was hungry. I know that and I felt for him, as I felt for the players with long-term injuries.
“The ability he’s got to arrive in the box, it’s a big thing, I’ve spoken about it with him all season.”
The win means fourth-placed Chelsea restored their five-point advantage over Manchester United and Wolves, who are fifth and sixth respectively.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone, one point from safety after taking one point from their first two games back following the resumption of the Premier League.