Anelka exploits impress Ancelotti

16 September 2009 07:23
Coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed matchwinner Nicolas Anelka as Chelsea stuttered to a nervous victory over Porto in their opening Champions League Group D game at Stamford Bridge. Anelka struck three minutes after the interval, beating Porto goalkeeper Helton at the second attempt to put Chelsea top of the group. But the Blues were forced to hang on towards the end of the game with goalkeeper Petr Cech making a handful of fine saves to ensure Chelsea ran out winners. Anelka seized the chance to shine in the absence of banned striker Didier Drogba and Ancelotti was more than pleased with his contribution. "Anelka is a great player," said the Italian. "With Drogba or without Drogba, he can play alone in the centre of the attack and together with Drogba. I am very happy for him because he is doing very well now. "Our attacking play was good in the first half and we had a problem in the second half to maintain that. I don't think that Drogba was missed tonight."

Source: Eurosport