John Terry lauds Nicolas Anelka after Champions League win

16 September 2009 07:14
JOHN TERRY has hailed Nicolas Anelka after the Frenchman proved that Chelsea can cope without Didier Drogba. Anelka played as a lone frontman last night against Porto in the absence of the suspended Ivorian and scored the only goal of the game at a rain-soaked Stamford Bridge. It is a role Anelka may have to get used to: Drogba is sidelined for another two Champions League games for his outburst after last season’s semi-final defeat to Barcelona, while he could miss up to a month due to his participation in the African Cup of Nations. But Terry believes the former Arsenal striker can shoulder the responsibility. “Everyone was talking about Drogba being out and it's up to the players like Nicolas to step up to the plate, which he did,” said the Chelsea skipper. “He proved his worth in the team. He was top scorer in the Premier League last season. “Didier and him are a great threat, but when he plays alone he showed what a great finisher he is.” And as Chelsea maintained their perfect start to the season, which has seen them win their opening five Premier League games, Terry believes Carlo Ancelotti’s side have remembered how to win when not at their best. The Portuguese champions were unlucky not to leave west London with a point after a spirited display, and four days ago Chelsea were indebted to Florent Malouda for a last-gasp winner against Stoke. But Terry is delighted with the resilience of his side, which evokes memories of their title-winning days under Jose Mourinho. He added: “At times we have not played well this season but we've walked away with the three points. That's the main thing and shows the desire in the squad. “That's important. We've fallen short the last couple of years. We want to take that extra step in the Champions League and the Premier League also."

Source: London_Paper