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Wednesday, 10 February 2010

World News Anelka: Blues Title Would Be Crowning Glory

Nicolas Anelka believes lifting the Barclays Premier League title with Chelsea would surpass his triumph with Arsenal more than a decade ago.

Anelka was in the infancy of his career when he helped the Gunners secure the double in 1998.

Now the striker is looking to help the Blues take another step towards their first title since 2005 at the expense of his former club on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

Anelka said: "Winning the title with Chelsea will be even bigger than when I did it with Arsenal.

"I had this chance before and now I have a second chance to win it again.

"I have had a lot of time to wait to win something again in England. I did it with Arsenal and I can definitely do it as well with Chelsea."

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is aiming to be the defensive rock around which Sir Alex Ferguson builds his next team at Old Trafford.

Vidic has been the subject of speculation about his United future with his wife reportedly unhappy with life in the north west and Barcelona and AC Milan interested in the 28-year-old.

But the centre-back appears happy to remain with the Red Devils, who face new Portsmouth boss Avram Grant at Fratton Park on Saturday, for the long haul.

He said: "I am glad to have been part of this club for so many years and, if I could be one of the bases on which a new team is built, I would be very happy.

"I have never said I want to go and play in another country. Other people have spoken or written about it and I am not happy with that.

"But I have said in the past what I think. I don't want to keep talking about it because I can't stop what people say. The fact is I am happy here."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is adamant he does not feel under extra pressure as a result of Liverpool's Champions League exit.

The Merseysiders, who visit Everton for Sunday's Merseyside derby, now have to tackle the Europa League but Benitez is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

He said: "We have not been able to go through to the last 16 of the Champions League, so we must make sure we double our efforts in the league and always do our very best in future matches.

"I do not feel under any greater pressure, Liverpool are under pressure in every single game, anyway, whatever the competition. This is nothing new for me.

Stewart Downing has backed Aston Villa to triumph against Tottenham after their "freak" 9-1 win over Wigan as he aims to make his home debut against Harry Redknapp's side on Saturday.

Downing has put seven months on the sidelines with a broken foot behind him after making his Villa debut as a substitute against Burnley last weekend.

He said: "Ourselves and Spurs are both looking for that top four spot. They are playing well and we're doing well too. I am confident we can get a result.

"It was a great result for them last weekend - 9-1 - a bit of a freak result."

While Grant is ready to take over at Pompey, Roy Hodgson has agreed a deal to stay at Fulham, who face Bolton this weekend.

Hodgson's current deal expires at the end of the season and he recently turned down approaches from Sweden and Norway about a return to international management.

Club lawyers are currently putting the paperwork together on a rolling contract for the 62-year-old former Blackburn and Inter Milan boss, who guided the club into the Europa League this season.

Hodgson said: "I spoke to the chairman and it's not been a difficult discussion. I can't put a timescale on it but we are basically in agreement."

England striker Darren Bent could return to the Sunderland line-up against Wigan on Saturday after fears were allayed over his hamstring problem.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce suggested earlier in the week that he could be without his nine-goal leading scorer for up to three weeks.

However scans have revealed no lasting damage and the former Tottenham frontman could line up at the DW Stadium at the weekend.

Bruce said: "Darren did a lot of work in the gym yesterday and he has been out on the training ground today and if he comes through it and there are no repercussions, then he has got a chance."

West Ham's home clash with Burnley completes the Saturday fixtures, with Clarets boss Owen Coyle admitting this week he hopes to sign on-loan Pompey striker David Nugent permanently.

"David Nugent has been a breath of fresh air since he came here and I want him here permanently," said Coyle.

"There are a number of factors to be looked at but what I would say in terms of David as a lad and a player is I am absolutely thrilled with how he has done."

Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association

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