Chelsea took a significant step in the top-four race after claiming a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

The victory means Chelsea are five points clear in fourth-position, ahead of Manchester United and Wolves.

Despite dominating the first-half, the Blues went behind when Kortney Hause scrambled in a cross from Douglas Luiz.

It took substitute Christian Pulisic to level the scores after 59 minutes, with the American connecting with a sumptuous cross from Cesar Azpilicueta to finish from close range.

Olivier Giroud then gave the visitors the lead two minutes later when the veteran striker received a cross from Azpilicueta, swivelled inside the penalty box and fired an effort that deflected in off Conor Hourihane. It was Giroud's eighth goal in his last six appearances against Villa.

Another highlight for Frank Lampard's side was Ruben Loftus-Cheek's first appearance in 13 months, with the Englishman starting in midfield alongside N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.

Speaking after the game, Lampard was delighted with the resilience shown by his players.

"We showed great character and quality in the second half to win the game so I'm pleased," Lampard said.

"I thought we moved the ball pretty well for most of the game and dominated possession clearly. It's been a little story of some of our games this season – we dominate but we need to be more clinical. I can definitely give the players some leeway for that today because it's been a long time off."