Nicolas Anelka is happy to fit in with the new Tinkerman

Simon Johnson
24 Aug 2009

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

When Claudio Ranieri was Chelsea manager many players blamed his obsession with rotation for their failure to win the Premier League. The constant chopping and changing meant the team struggled to get into a rhythm, but Nicolas Anelka believes Carlo Ancelotti's committment to using his full squad will make the difference in the title race.

The Italian is doing a good impression of the 'Tinkerman' having made four changes to winning sides in each of Chelsea's last two League games, but unlike Ranieri, his alterations are so far having a positive effect.

Not many coaches would have rewarded the team that destroyed Sunderland in mid-week by dropping a third of the side to the bench, including two of the star performers in Deco and Michael Essien.

Then again not many would have gone to the Stadium of Light and left the division's leading scorer from the previous season on the bench, however that is exactly what happened to Anelka.

The Frenchman was back in the starting line-up at Craven Cottage yesterday and was noticeably sharper than he had been a week before against Hull, setting up Didier Drogba for the first before his strike partner returned the favour in the second half so he could net his first of the season.

Anelka has been accused of being 'le sulk' in the past, yet he has no complaints over the way he has been treated.

When asked if Chelsea have a big advantage with Ancelotti's policy of resting players, he said: "Of course because we have so many big players in the team. In the week some people rested and we won at Sunderland and against Fulham some people rested and we won again. That's important because it's a long season and we need everybody in the squad.

"I wasn't surprised when I was left on the bench at Sunderland. I enjoyed seeing Chelsea win the game - it was good. The most important thing is to win with Chelsea. Of course everyone wants to play every game, but the manager said some games he will change the players and get some people to rest and we have to accept it."

Still on the evidence of this display, the former AC Milan coach would be wise to get Drogba and Anelka on the pitch together as often as possible.

Fulham struggled to contain them, particularly in the second half after the latter had been instructed to get closer to Drogba in the middle of the pitch rather than keep drifting short and to the right.

While Anelka's pace was a constant menace as Chelsea's players threaded balls in behind, Drogba's superb hold up play ensured his side dominated possession for long periods.

The Ivory Coast international has begun the season looking as good as ever and his cool low finish from Anelka's through ball in the 39th minute broke the home side's resistance.

He was involved three times for the second goal, with his last touch being a perfectly weighted pass for Anelka to run onto and slot the ball into an empty net after waltzing past keeper Mark Schwarzer.

For Anelka, his strike came as a relief having failed to score in any games since May and is hopeful he will get the chance to develop his understanding with Drogba on a regular basis.

He added: "When I get the ball I try and look for him and when he's got the ball he tries and looks for me so it's easier to score goals with that. But the more time we spend on the pitch playing together then the understanding gets better and I think we will score more goals.

"It was good to score my first goal. As a striker you sometimes score straight away and sometimes you just need some time. I think you have to be patient and be confident in your head and try to work hard in training. Then afterwards it comes."

Anelka hopes to sign a new long-term contract with Chelsea, who have made an impressive start to the season winning all their games in comfortable fashion.

Yesterday's result, though, was a reality check for their west London neighbours who usually give the Blues a tough game but froze this time. Fulham missed Andy Johnson terribly and picked up another injury concern when Danny Murphy limped off in the second half.