Anelka gives Hiddink a winning start

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink enjoyed a winning start to life in the Premier League as Nicolas Anelka’s goal clinched a crucial 1-0 victory at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Hiddink, appointed as replacement for sacked Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari last week, has made an immediate impact at the west London club and success at Villa Park provided a massive boost in the race for the Champions League places.

Anelka’s sublime 19th minute finish from Frank Lampard’s pass lifted Chelsea above Villa into third place and within seven points of leaders Manchester United, who play Blackburn in Saturday’s late game.

More importantly it moved Chelsea eight points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal and kept them firmly on course for the top four finish which had looked under threat in the final days of Scolari’s reign.