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Didier Drogba has warned his Chelsea team-mates they must cut out the mistakes if they are to beat title rivals Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The striker marked his first appearance in the Champions League this season with a superb brace against Atletico Madrid last night but Chelsea had to settle for a 2-2 draw, with Sergio Aguero netting twice for the hosts including an added-time equaliser from a free-kick.
Although Chelsea secured a place in the knock-out phase, Drogba was worried by his side's sloppy display which he put down to the players
having the huge match with the Premier League champions on their minds. Chelsea boast a two-point lead over United at the top of the table and Sir Alex Ferguson believes the title race will be a battle between the two sides.
Drogba said: “It is really important for us to beat United at home. We have to improve and show different qualities and be better than we were in Madrid.
“The match against Atletico was far from a good performance, we played well but were not good enough to win. I think we were thinking about Sunday's game. For their equaliser we could have done better with the wall and maybe avoided the free-kick. It's frustrating to concede a goal like this after the efforts we produced.”
Drogba, who missed the first three games in Europe through suspension, is full of confidence after scoring 12 times in his last 13 starts. He said: “I think this is my best period for Chelsea. A few years ago I was playing with the same confidence. It's always easier when you are playing injury-free.”
Michael Ballack is adamant no defender in Europe can stop Drogba's goal-scoring spree. The midfielder said: “It was great to have Didier back in the Champions League and he proved what he can do yet again. He was absolutely fantastic. He is world class and, as he showed with his goals, no defender can afford to lose him in a match right now as he'll score.”
Argentina international Aguero, who had put the home side in front after 66 minutes, was a summer transfer target for Chelsea.
And coach Carlo Ancelotti hinted the 21-year-old striker's display could bring about another attempt, depending on what happens with their appeal over Uefa's transfer ban. He added: “I like him. I think Aguero can play with Drogba, for sure.”
Meanwhile, United manager Ferguson said today he has been impressed by Ancelotti at Chelsea.
Assessing the title battle, Ferguson told Inside United magazine: “It seems Chelsea will be the ones to get in front of. Their consistency compared to last season has probably been a wee bit better.
“He's brought in the diamond system he used at AC Milan. It's hard to break down when you get into their third.”
Reader views (3)
What a difference a year can make . I had previously critised both Drogba and Anelka for not performing and both should be sold.
Under Hiddink and now Ancelloti, both are playing at their peaks and delivering. However, I feel some Chelsea players should avoid the hype and comments being given to the press with ref to the big match on Sun.vs Man Utd.
This is a huge match and even though I hope Chelsea win, I think it will end in a draw. Man.Utd have recently exposed some weaknesses but somehow, they are the luckiest club around and seem to manage to score when it matters. Chelsea need to allow Essien to get more forward
where he is at his best facing the goal - although the diamond strategy is working, Ancelloti must give the players in the mid-field some discretion to attack further. Bosingwa is dearly missed. Joe Cole is still not at his best, but perhaps this Sun. if he is selected, can ,make his mark. He badly needs a goal and what better a moment against Man Utd.I cant wait until Sund. My prediction 2-2 .Or 2-0 to Chelsea. + the match is going to see several yellow cards and if a red card is shown , my guess it will be shown to Rooney.
Go Chelsea GO !
- Shafique Motani, toronto, canada, 04/11/2009 22:36
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As I said to my wife last night as we were watching the tedium that was the BBC's 'Around the World in 80 days' with those two non-entity z-listers from BBC Breakfast, neither United or Chelsea were going to go mad with fixture looming on Sunday. No injuries and qualification for latter stages means that both came out with great results.
Sunday will be a different matter and a true test of Chelsea's title credentials as, one could argue, recently they've replicating United's flat track bully form of last year. A win, and I might start believing.
- Neil, Bedford, England, 04/11/2009 13:08
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Great performance Didier - you are truly one of Europe´s best strikers!
- Melly, Cartagena, Colombia, 04/11/2009 12:30
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