Hiddink restores a special ingredient to banish blues

Under Guus Hiddink there were certain similarities to the Mourinho era on show as the Blues produced an impressive 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

A fired-up Didier Drogba, an inspirational Frank Lampard and a demonstrable team spirit culminated in a post-match huddle on the pitch followed by the throwing of some shirts to the travelling supporters in the stands.

Such images were common place as Chelsea won two titles in the Mourinho era yet these are the fruits of just one week of Hiddink's labours.

The Dutchman (right), though, has limited time to make a difference if his claims of taking charge for just the rest of the season are to be believed.The 4-3-3 formation he employed to get Chelsea's first win at Villa Park for 10 years also had a familiar look to it having been used by his predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari as well as Mourinho.

However, crucially, the work rate, speed of attack and character resembled life under Mourinho rather than Scolari and for that he has to take credit.

Chelsea's season looked doomed only two weeks ago after the dismal goalless draw at home to Hull.

The dressing room appeared only united in concern over Scolari's methods and tactical decisions.

The fact the men in blue looked so rejuvenated was due to Hiddink's input at the training ground as much as the filip a new manager usually brings.

Lampard said: "We have worked hard in the week and the new manager has put some new ideas over to us.

"It meant we went into the game with a lot of confidence. In training we've worked very hard on passing the ball quickly and being organised.

"There was a little bit of the old Chelsea out there, that spirit and the way we played. We looked a bit more like ourselves. You could see the commitment, that never-say-die attitude when Villa were throwing balls into the box.

"We also scored early and closed out the game, something we used to do regularly and it got on people's nerves because we could get those 1-0 wins away from home. But we've still a lot ahead of us over the next few weeks."

While there is still room for improvement, the sight of Nicolas Anelka and Drogba starting the match would have been welcomed by fans. Scolari somehow failed to see their potential threat but Hiddink trusted the pair to deliver in his debut game in charge and it was no coincidence that Anelka scored his first League goal for two months.

Hiddink seems to have inspired Drogba too, although he is still searching for his best form after a knee injury.The Ivory Coast international striker said: "I was feeling good in the first half but the second was a lot more difficult. I need to work more in training and to have more games to improve the lack of fitness I am feeling."

Now Hiddink has to get the better of the 'Tinkerman' Claudio Ranieri, who showed in his four years at Chelsea that too many changes to a team can be a bad thing. Ranieri will be in the Juventus dug-out when Chelsea resume their Champions League campaign on Wednesday but Lampard will give him a warm welcome.

He said: "Claudio's very special to me. If it wasn't for him, I might not be where I am now. He brought me to the club [in 2001] and improved my game.

"As a West Ham boy I was one track minded but he showed me different ways and I am thankful for him."