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Hiddink happy with Chelsea spirit

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink is confident forwards Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba can play together - but warned the striking duo they must work harder.

"If we have such powerful players I like to use them," said Hiddink after Chelsea's 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

"They have to be aware in their quality they must do a little bit more.

"It's also about a good fight and tactical defence in their position. When they are willing to do that there is no doubt in my mind they can play."

Anelka's first-half dink over Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel was enough to secure victory as Hiddink's reign as Chelsea manager got off to a winning start.

"I'm pleased in the sense we tried to play good football, which we did in the first half, but we did not finish it off with a second goal," added Hiddink as he reflected on a result that allowed Chelsea to take third spot from Villa.

"In the second half, we could have done more. Overall I am very pleased to win on this very difficult ground."

It was Villa's first defeat in 14 league games and manager Martin O'Neill cited the club's Uefa Cup game in midweek against CSKA Moscow as having had a negative impact on his players.

PHIL MCNULTY BLOG Hiddink was pleased with his strikers, although his comments about their need to work as a defensive force as well as an attacking threat suggested the link is a work in progress

"It's been a difficult week in the sense we have played three games in six days," said O'Neill.

"In the first half it had an effect on the game. That's the way the fixtures fall but from our viewpoint I thought we were a bit leggy in the first half.

"But we shouldn't disregard the play of Chelsea in the middle of the park where they kept the ball better than us initially and got themselves in front.

"In the second half, while we didn't create that many clear chances, Gabby Agbonlahor has had the chance and Ashley Young hit the bar in the first half, we've plenty of pressure without coming up trumps.

"Naturally, I am delighted with team and effort. It was a setback but we will come again."

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