Ancelotti primed for league battle

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Efforts from Frank Lampard and Ricardo Carvalho cancelled out Nani's opener and Wayne Rooney's stoppage-time strike sending the match into penalties, where Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra saw weak efforts saved by Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech to give Ancelotti his first piece of silverware.

"Manchester are our most important opponents in the Premiership because they are a great team, they have great experience. So this gives us a bit more trust in our possibilities," the Italian said.

"Now, though, we have to think of the season and the next matches.

"It is an important start to the season because we have changed the way the team plays a bit," added the Chelsea manager.

"We found it difficult, but we were better in the second half when we put more strength on the pitch.

"I am very happy, not only for this month but also for this past month. I now know the players, I like their mental attitude and I like the organisation of the club.

"We are ready to start a very important season for us and we are ready to do our best."

Carvalho was named the sponsor's man of the match following a composed display alongside captain John Terry at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

The Portugal centre-half said: "It is important to win trophies, but now we have to look to the Premier League and start winning there as it's important to get a lead."