Jorginho scored two penalties and Romelu Lukaku netted his first Premier League goal since September to lead Chelsea's comeback for a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Lukaku's first season back in England has been hampered by an ankle injury and the striker hadn't scored in the league since last facing Villa 106 days earlier.
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After drawing its last two games, Chelsea avoided losing further ground on Manchester City, staying six points behind first place.
There was a huge slice of fortune for Villa's goal in the 28th minute when Chelsea defender Reece James rose to clear Matt Targett’s left-wing cross but only succeeded in diverting it over his own goalkeeper — Edouard Mendy.
Villa gifted Chelsea a way back six minutes later when Matty Cash recklessly dived in on Callum Hudson-Odoi in the penalty area and Jorginho stepped up to convert from the spot.
Chelsea replaced Trevoh Chalobah with Lukaku at halftime and his presence rattled Villa immediately.
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Lukaku's Premier League drought ended in the 56th. Hudson-Odoi’s cross found Lukaku drifting in ahead of a dozing Tyrone Mings and he glanced in from seven yards (meters).
It was Lukaku who made the telling impact once again in stoppage time. Ezri Konsa brought him down and Jorginho netted again from the spot.
Villa, which stayed in 10th place, was without manager Steven Gerrard who is isolating with coronavirus.
Chelsea taking 'huge risks' with players: Tuchel
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said he was forced to give some players more minutes than he should have against Aston Villa on Sunday, with both Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi returning to action after missing the last three games due to COVID-19.
"It is not so easy when you have a long injury, with a body like (Lukaku) and you catch COVID-19," Tuchel told reporters.
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"When you read the match sheet and read the names you might think, yes, everyone is there, 18 guys, and it is a top squad. But if you look at the details, you see that we are struggling and taking some huge risks.
"Callum (Hudson-Odoi) was forced to play 90 minutes straight after COVID-19 because of injuries during the match, and that's the way it is."
While pleased with the three points, Tuchel was concerned about the players he must pitch back into action over the busy holiday period.
"This is a big reaction and win. At the same time, I am always concerned in the last weeks, I'm concerned for the health and the safety of the players," Tuchel said.
"This is pretty challenging. It's not over just because the names are back on the team sheet. At the moment, the situation is very demanding."
Third-placed Chelsea faces Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, before taking on Liverpool on Jan. 2.
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