Romelu Lukaku returned to form with two goals in Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but his manager Thomas Tuchel opted to be fairly reserved with his post-match praise.
The Blues dropped more points yet again in the Premier League with a 2-2 result at Stamford Bridge against Wolves, meaning the race for a top-four finish gets a little more tense.
Lukaku, who was recalled to the starting line-up, scored two quick-fire goals in the second half.
However, Chelsea switched off for the final 15 minutes to enable visitors Wolves to score twice late on.
Tuchel acknowledged a “good performance” from Lukaku on his return to the side. However, the overall result meant he didn’t go overboard with praise of what was a really important individual contribution.
“Yeah, but guys. Good performance but for sure not the moment to talk about individual performances. We lost points,” Tuchel said.
Much-needed lift
It’s a shame that Tuchel wouldn’t boost Lukaku’s morale with some encouraging post-match comments, but he was clearly still angry after watching his side collapse in the final stages of the game.
Hopefully, the weekend performance can act as a catalyst for Lukaku going into the final few games of the season.
The 28-year-old striker calmly converted a penalty after earning the spot-kick with some determined attacking play. Afterwards, he scored his second with an emphatic low finish from the edge of the box with his weaker right foot.
There’s the FA Cup final against Liverpool just around the corner, so can he force his way into the starting line-up off the back of today’s effort? A game against Leeds United in midweek provides one last chance to try impress.
Paul Canoville was spot on with his prediction that Lukaku could make a late charge for the starting XI in time for the FA Cup showdown.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.