Kuyt positive for partnership

Dirk Kuyt is confident that a potential partnership with Fernando Torres can yield goals should they be given more chances.
The Dutch international was given a rare start alongside the Spaniard in their goalless draw with Utrecht on Thursday in the Europa League, but they struggled to create chances.
Kuyt and Torres showed some nice link-up play in stages however, and the 29-year-old felt that should they can score goals together should manager Roy Hodgson give them the opportunity.
He also backed the under-fire Torres to get over what has been a considerable dip in form by his standards and bounce back in style.
"Tonight we created a good chance together," he said.
"Against Sunderland and West Brom it worked well, so I think we can play well together but tonight wasn't the best game for us or the team.
"It's just a matter of time for Fernando. I said that after the Sunderland game when people were talking about him not scoring, but he still provided two assists.
"Tonight he missed a chance, but he is human and can miss chances like everyone else. I'm sure his goals will come."
Reflecting on the game, where he returned to the club that gave him his first senior contract, Kuyt felt that they had done well to earn a point from their opponents.
"It was a really tough game. It was difficult from the start. We didn't play our best game but we will keep fighting.
"We created some good chances but so did they, so I think we have to be happy with a 0-0.
"We can take confidence from this and we will keep fighting. I think the good thing from tonight is that we got a clean sheet. An away draw in Europe isn't too bad and we have four points from two games, so we just have to keep going and win on Sunday."
Liverpool v Blackpool To Score a Brace: Torres, F. 5/2
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Arteta - We must change

Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta feels that his side do not deserve to be where they are in the table, but they must begin to start picking up points.
It has been a nightmare start to the season for the Toffees, with them rooted to the bottom of the table with just three points from their opening six games.
David Moyes' side were tipped to be challenging for a European place after a strong end to their last season, but they must turn their fortunes around quickly if they are going to be in with a shout.
Everton managed to hold Fulham to a goalless draw at Craven Cottage in what was their third draw of the season,
And the Spanish maestro admitted that they were working hard in training to try to gain a result in a tough away fixture against Birmingham this weekend.
"We don't deserve to be where we are at the moment by the way we've been playing," Arteta said.
"But at the same time we haven't been able to hold the results, so we need to try and change the way we play and to try to get the points.
"The spirit at the moment is that we need to get back to getting wins and getting the points.
"But at the same time we've been doing a lot of things right and we've been playing some really good stuff. But we haven't been able to keep the clean sheets and score enough goals to win the games.
"So that is something we've been training really hard for in the last couple of weeks so I think we saw an improvement after the defeat against Newcastle.
"At Fulham we deserved to win the game, and I know it's tough against Birmingham, but we need the points now."
Birmingham v Everton 1st Goalscorer: Arteta, M. 9/1
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Giggs rules out Wales job

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has ruled out managing Wales - for now.
The 36-year-old has been linked with the vacant post after previous boss John Toshack confirmed his resignation at the beginning of this month.
Some hoped he would follow in the footsteps of former United ace Mark Hughes, who took the Wales job in 1999 while still a player at Southampton.
But Giggs insists it would not be possible to do the same himself given United's UEFA Champions League commitments.
He said: "I am playing for Manchester United and am fully focussed on that.
"I just don't think you can do the two, especially at a club like United.
"I know Mark Hughes did them but it is a little bit different when you are playing Champions League."
But Giggs, who has been taking his Uefa coaching badges, admits he would like to be manager of Wales in the future.
"One day I would like to do it but I didn't think about it this time," he said.
"Before I get any job I want to get all the necessary qualifications, I wouldn't take a job until I had them.
"I am halfway through my Uefa 'A' Licence at the moment, the idea being that I will be ready for it when I do finish."
While the Cardiff-born star admits he does not know whether he will like management until he tries it, he wants to maintain a link with the game when his playing days are over.
"I honestly don't know whether I would like it. Until you try it how can you?" he said.
"I will probably either love it or hate it.
"I enjoy helping young players and being out on the training ground. I enjoy the buzz of the game.
"But when you are not playing you are going to lose all that. How do you get it back? Coaching or managing."
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Bruce questions Rooney talk

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is not counting England international Wayne Rooney out of this weekend's Premier League clash.
Rooney missed United's 1-0 midweek success over Valencia in the UEFA Champions League due to an ankle problem.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Rooney will be missing for up to three weeks, but Bruce remains unconvinced that he is sitting out this weekend's fixture.
The Black Cats tactician thinks talk of Rooney's non-availability could be just a ruse and he feels the striker could still feature at the Stadium of Light.
"Is he out for three weeks, Wayne Rooney? I don't know if he is," he said. "I don't know if he is or whether Sir Alex is playing one of his games.
"But make no mistake, there is one person who will look after Wayne Rooney better than anyone else, and that is Sir Alex, and I am sure he will do.
"It's been a tough time for the kid, we all realise that, and possibly the reason for what happened at the World Cup, if we are honest.
"But make no mistake, he is a fabulous player and a strong mental character, and he will need that at the moment."
Man. Utd 8/11, Draw 5/2, Sunderland 4/1
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Pulis backs duo for England

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has called for Matthew Etherington and Ryan Shawcross to be named in the England squad.
Fabio Capello is due to select his squad on Monday for their Euro 2012 qualifying game against Montenegro on October 12th after the Three Lions' 100 per cent start in their group.
The winger and centre-back have proved a vital part of the Potters' unbeaten run in September, which saw them bounce back from three defeats in their first three games.
Etherington, however, has never received international recognition despite some excellent displays for the club since moving from West Ham in January 2009, and he won the club's player of the year award last season.
"In my opinion they must be very, very close. I'm not going to tell Capello who to pick, that's up to him and he's an experienced enough manager to know his own mind. But the two lads haven't done themselves any harm at all," Pulis said.
"Matty's been exceptional.
"He's got everything you could want. He's quick, he's got good feet and he doesn't half work hard for the team."
Shawcross has been called up to the senior side before, but was an unused substitute in a friendly against Egypt in March.
Pulis gave the 22-year-old the captain's armband at the start of the season, and he was hopeful that the added responsibility would allow him to step up his game.
"I gave it to him to really take him on to the next level. Ryan's a very quiet lad and you just hope he grows with the captaincy and comes out of that shell a little bit. As he grows older and more experienced, that will become a strength of his as a leader."
England Specials Win All Games: England Win All Games In Qualifying 7/1
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Hammers submit Olympic plan

West Ham have delivered their bid to run the Olympic Stadium after 2012 to 10 Downing Street.
The Premier League club submitted the proposal on Thursday and believe they are the only viable option for delivering the legacy promise made when London was named host city.
West Ham players Scott Parker, Carlton Cole and Mark Noble took the joint proposal with Newham Council to the Prime Minister's residence after it was formally presented to the Olympic Park Legacy Company earlier in the day.
"We believe this is the only bid that can deliver London's legacy commitment to the International Olympic Committee," said West Ham's vice-chairman Karren Brady.
"The last thing anyone wants is for the Olympic Stadium to become a ghost of Olympics past. The only realistic solution is to make the stadium work for a Premier League football team and that should be West Ham United.
"As a top-flight football club, we have the necessary expertise in running a major multi-purpose venue.
"Working with Newham Council, we could ensure extensive use of the stadium that would create prosperity in the local area and see this club grow and move on to another level.
"Our plan to keep most of the stadium in place protects the public investment."
The plan would see the stadium's capacity reduced to 60,000 and it would host football and athletics, alongside other major sports, concerts and community facilities.
It would also house what the bid describes as "innovative and exciting education resources" and "health and well-being programmes", as well as an Olympic visitor centre and football museum.
Should the bid - which has been publicly backed by London 2012 chairman Lord Coe and UK Athletics chaiman Ed Warner - prove successful, Upton Park would be demolished, making way for new homes, shops and community facilities.
Newham mayor, Sir Robin Wales, added: "Our proposal with West Ham is the natural and logical solution that will provide a legacy for decades to come.
"Our plans will deliver upwards of two million visitors each year and provide a significant beacon in the East End that will fulfil the original London 2012 bid commitments.
"A busy stadium will enhance the regeneration of the wider area and, importantly, there will be no cost to the public purse after the stadium's conversion."
West Ham captain Parker was joined at Downing Street by Newham young mayor Kaycee de Belen and pupils from Cleves Primary School, Upton Park, before saying: "I've been around the stadium and it is fantastic.
"It is going to be a superb venue for the Olympic Games and one we can all be proud of.
"But it also offers great potential after 2012, not just for West Ham and sport in general but for the local community. I really hope we get it."
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No Pienaar update

Steven Pienaar's agent says the Everton midfielder's future is no nearer to being resolved.
The South Africa international is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave Goodison Park on a free transfer.
It remains to be seen whether Pienaar will see out his deal or sign extended terms to stay with the Merseysiders beyond next summer.
When questioned whether Pienaar's future was any nearer to being resolved, his agent Ivan Modia says no fresh discussions have taken place.
The new Premier League season is still in its infancy and Modia believes it is too soon to discuss where Pienaar will be next season.
"The situation is the same. We are where we were a few months ago and at present we have no planned meeting with Everton," Modia told calciomercato.it.
"The season has just started. We'll see in the appropriate time the best solution for Steven and for the club. But now is not the time to talk about the future."
Rumours surrounding Pienaar's future continue to do the rounds, although Modia insists links with Italy and Arsenal and Spurs is just paper talk.
"Juventus and Inter Milan's interest? At the moment they are just rumours. I've never been contacted by anyone in Italy," he continued.
"Arsenal and Tottenham? Again, this is just market speculation. The reality is that we've not sat down at the table with any club."
Everton 13/8, Birmingham 7/4, Draw 11/5
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King ignoring knee talk

Ledley King insists speculation over whether he plays or not these days is water off a duck's back.
The England international's knee problems mean he usually cannot play two games in a four-day span.
With William Gallas on the sidelines there has been talk that King could feature again against Aston Villa at the weekend despite facing FC Twente in midweek.
King is refusing to be drawn on whether he will be able to play, but has played down talk that the reports irk him.
"I'm used to reading a lot about myself about whether I'm going to play or not," he said.
"I know when I'm going to play or when I'm not, so it makes me laugh sometimes."
Tottenham v Aston Villa Clean Sheet: Tottenham 7/4
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McCarthy offers Jelle support

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy Jelle van Damme is committed to the club despite suffering from homesickness.
Van Damme revealed earlier this week he was struggling to settle in England since his summer arrival from Anderlecht.
The 26-year-old Belgian has also been hit by injury setbacks which have meant him struggling to make an impact on the pitch.
But McCarthy is adamant the player is desperate to succeed at Molineux ahead of Saturday's clash at Wigan.
McCarthy said: "I moved to play for Lyon, and I had all my family with me, and it was still not easy to settle in and have all the comforts you had in your previous home.
"Jelle is just having a tough time settling in, that's all, away from the club.
"He loves the club, training, the fans, the team. He has had a few injuries, his wife is back home in Belgium having a baby, she won't be here to January.
"Is it unusual that someone would find that a bit unsettling when all those things are going on?
"He is delighted with the club and the football and he likes being here and he wants to play."
McCarthy added: "It is so easy for someone to say 'how can a footballer who gets paid all that money be homesick?'
Jelle is a human being like anyone else. He suffers the same emotions.
"We try and care of him the best we can. But the first thing to do is to reassure everyone that his focus is to get back in the team and play well for Wolves."
Wigan v Wolves. Click here to bet.
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Fabregas faces struggle

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that Cesc Fabregas is struggling to be fit for the weekend clash with Chelsea.

The Gunners captain picked up a hamstring injury in the Premier League tie at Sunderland and has been sidelined for almost two weeks.

Fabregas had targeted the crunch game at Stamford Bridge as his comeback date but Wenger concedes that the North Londoners could be without their talismanic skipper.

The 23-year-old has been left out of the Spain squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers with Scotland and Lithuania and when asked about the likelihood of Fabregas returning on Sunday, Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "I don't know.

"It looks a 50-50 but a 50-50 balancing on the negative side. I will find out on Saturday morning."

The news comes as a major blow for Arsenal as they look to bounce back from their disastrous home defeat at the hands of West Brom last weekend.

Wenger's men picked up a 3-1 win over Partizan Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, but if the Blues add another victory to their impressive record over the Gunners in recent years then there will be a seven-point gap between the two teams in the table.

The French coach may be spared the difficult choice of who to start in goal, though, as Manuel Almunia could miss out with an elbow injury.

Lukasz Fabianski had a great game in Belgrade in his absence and was already pushing for another start before the latest injury update, and he may get his wish as Wenger revealed the extent of Almunia's problem.

"That one is even more difficult," he added.

"He has not been in a regular training session. So I will see."

On the other players available for the weekend, Wenger remarked: "(Thomas) Vermaelen - no. Abou Diaby has an 80 per cent chance to be involved.

"I am not sure if he will be completely 100% but if he is 100% he will be in the squad."

"Nicklas Bendtner (groin) should be available after the international break.

"And Aaron Ramsey (broken leg) is progressing very well."

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Rio - In Fergie I trust

Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand has firmly put his trust in Sir Alex Ferguson's ability to manage his comeback.

The England skipper returned to action against Rangers earlier this month after suffering a knee injury in the build-up to the World Cup.

Since then, he has been limited to just one game a week, skippering United in the Carling Cup win at Scunthorpe before featuring in the UEFA Champions League victory at Valencia on Wednesday.

He would now like to play in Saturday's Premier League trip to Sunderland, but will let Ferguson decide what is best.

The defender said: "I feel I can play two games in a row.

"It is obvious I need games. I have been out for so long, to expect to come back and play matches on the bounce straightaway would be wrong.

"I will just do what the manager asks me to do.

"He is the most experienced man on the planet in football terms. I have to trust the manager's judgment and his views on me playing for the future of the season.

"If he deems it right for me to play on Saturday I would be delighted."

There has been speculation that Ferdinand has a problem with his back but the defender has denied this.

"It's rubbish really," he said.

"I did some stretching before the game last night but that was not for my back. That is just an assumption.

"My back is fine. There is no problem."

United have conceded nine goals in their past five Premier League games but Ferdinand does not see it as a massive problem.

"A lot has been made about us not keeping clean sheets but I have been at all the games and have not seen us get opened up in a manner that would make it a real crisis," he said.

"We have been a little bit unfortunate and unlucky in certain circumstances, maybe even naive at points but I don't see it as a massive problem."

While United have thrown points away by conceding late goals at Fulham and Everton, Ferdinand believes a three-point gap on leaders Chelsea - who lost at Manchester City last weekend - is manageable.

"When you drop points against anyone you put yourself under pressure," he said.

"The seasons we have lost the league have been the ones where we have given teams a head start.

"It seemed like we were doing that until last weekend but now the gap is three again, which I wouldn't say it is a massive difference at this stage of the season.

"As long as we kick on from now and get on a good run of victories we will be all right."

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Terry - Rom wants everything

John Terry says Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will settle for nothing less than European and domestic glory this term.
The Russian, who took over the club in 2003, has instructed the Blues to bring both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles to Stamford Bridge this season.
Carlo Ancelotti's side enjoyed domestic title success last season and also lifted the FA Cup, but Blues captain Terry says European glory is next on the owner's to-do list.
"The owner's message at the start of the season was clear: He wants to win everything," Terry told The Sun.
"And with the squad we have here at Chelsea, he expects that to happen.
"We can't prioritise one competition ahead of the other. We can't choose between winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
"The Premier League is the biggest team test because it's the best league in the world with the best players.
"We had a spell of a few years without taking the title and now that we've started winning it again, it's important we maintain that.
"But, at the same time, the Champions League is a massive trophy that still eludes us and we now have a manager who has experience of winning that one."
Terry feels the emerging Blues players in Ancelotti's squad can help Chelsea in their quest for silverware this season.
He added: "We lost some experienced players in the summer but now we are seeing some excellent young players coming through and, hopefully, they can make a difference."
The 29-year-old skipper, who made his Chelsea debut way back in 1998 as the last player to come through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, is backing 17-year-old midfielder Josh McEachran to make an impact.
"Josh is a quiet lad but he has amazing ability," he said.
"He can open defences with one pass and he showed against Newcastle last week he can come on and change a game by demanding the ball.
"When I was first breaking into the team, I would probably hide a bit and try to feel my way in. But guys like Josh come in and want to make an impact straight away."
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N'Zogbia - Wigan a springboard

Wigan Atheltic midfielder Charles N'Zogbia still admits that the club is a springboard in his career.
The 24-year-old winger was on the verge of leaving the Latics this summer after the club accepted a bid from Birmingham City, but the Frenchman could not agree terms with the Blues.
N'Zogbia has played in six games for Wigan this term but despite saying he made a mistake with the way he handled his transfer situation, still has one eye on where he will be playing his football in the future.
"The club remains a springboard but I made a mistake and was given bad advice," he said in L'Equipe.
"I had a good talk with coach Roberto Martinez and he relies on me.
"I have the quality to reach a new level but to achieve it I have to play and Wigan offers me this opportunity.
"We don't know what can happen in winter or at the end of the season, I have two years remaining on my contract.
"Playing in England is the top but when the winter transfer window opens I will talk with my officials."
N'Zogbia hinted that a return to France could be on the cards, with Marseille and Paris St Germain two names in the frame.
He added: "To be frank, l'OM and PSG are two clubs I appreciate. It seems there was even contact with l'OM. I have not forgotten it, the door remains open."
The former Newcastle man has been capped once by France but claims he did not expect to be called up to the next squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers with Romania and Luxembourg.
Les Bleus coach Laurent Blanc named N'Zogbia in the starting line-up for the friendly against Norway in August, and he still holds hope of a return in the future.
"I always remain positive and I remain focused on my game and my team Wigan. If I can improve my Premier League level, I will be back," he added.
"I have tasted the French team and liked it so I want to be back as soon as possible."
Wigan v Wolves. Click here to bet.
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Holden pens new Bolton deal

Wanderers have handed a new three-and-half-year contract to USA international midfielder Stuart Holden.
The 25-year-old arrived in January as a free agent after his contract with MLS side Houston Dynamo expired.
He impressed during an initial trial spell with Bolton and was handed a deal, which has now been extended to 2013.
The Scottish-born America international, who began his career with Sunderland before moving to play in MLS, expressed his delight at signing his new deal.
"I'm really excited because I love being at the club. I couldn't ask to be around better fans, management staff and players," Holden told the club's official website.
"I was given an opportunity by the manager (Owen Coyle) to show that I can play at this level and I'm extremely grateful for that. The confidence that he has shown in me has really allowed me to push on."
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Petrov keeps Villa armband

New Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has revealed that Stiliyan Petrov will continue to captain the club.
The experienced 31-year-old midfielder was handed the armband in succession to Gareth Barry two years ago.
Houllier said: "I won't change captain. The captain is not only the leader on the field. He is a leader by example.
"He knows what we want to do anyway. I prefer to rely on a group of leaders, two or three players - not only one person.
"One can be the technical leader, one can be the energiser, one can be the captain."
The Bulgaria international has made 134 appearances for the club, scoring five goals.
Meanwhile, Gerard Houllier admits to having a welcome central defensive dilemma ahead of the Premier League trip to Tottenham this weekend.
The Frenchman has compared Carlos Cuellar to Liverpool's versatile defender Jamie Carragher.
Cuellar produced a commanding performance during the derby win at Wolves on Sunday and Houllier was impressed by the Spanish defender's bravery in the 2-1 win at Molineux.
Houllier admits to having a nice selection headache ahead of the trip to White Hart Lane with Richard Dunne set to be available after overcoming a knee problem.
"That headache I can take," Houllier told the Birmingham Mail.
"A bad headache is when you've not got enough players.
"Carlos looked strong and solid. He reminded me of Jamie Carragher. He goes for everything in the air - brave, that's the word."
Houllier is optimistic Dunne will make the squad for the weekend after sitting out the Blackburn and Wolves wins.
However, striker Gabby Agbonlahor picked up a groin strain in training after only recently recovering from his calf problems.
"Don't forget Richard's kept his fitness all right - he will join full training on Wednesday with the rest of the lads and John (Carew) will train Wednesday," Houllier said.
"My concern is Gabby because Gabby again has felt his groin.
"We will have to investigate a bit more. The calves problem has gone, now it's gone up his body. I hope it doesn't go too much higher!"
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Fletcher praises Hernandez

Last updated: 30th September 2010  

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes Javier Hernandez will be the next big thing at Old Trafford.
The Mexico international scored United's winning goal in their UEFA Champions League tie against Valencia on Wednesday night, giving the Red Devils a rare European victory in Spain.
The 22-year-old striker has made an instant impact for Sir Alex Ferguson's side since joining the club in a £7million deal from Chivas earlier this year.
And Fletcher anticipates there is more to come from Hernandez, nicknamed 'Little Pea'.
"Javier got his head down and finished it fantastically," said the Scotland captain.
"He showed he is going to be a great player for Manchester United.
"He is young and still getting used to the way we play. But he has come in from Mexico and is a real talent."
The victory at the Mestalla put United back in a more customary position at the head of affairs in Group C, with back-to-back meetings against Turkish champions Bursaspor to look forward to next month.
"We are back in a good position," said Fletcher.
"We were disappointed to draw at home to Rangers and we knew going to Valencia was going to be difficult.
"But we got three points to put us back top of the group.
"The target is always 10 points. That is what it remains."
Sunderland v Man. Utd 1st Goalscorer: Hernandez, J. 6/1
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Martinez - Kirkland staying put

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez insists that Chris Kirkland's place at the club is not under threat following the good form of fellow goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.
Al Habsi has made an impressive start to life at the DW Stadium after joining on a season-long loan from Bolton, while Kirkland has been sidelined through injury.
The 28-year-old new arrival has started the last six games for the Latics this term, but Martinez denies that Kirkland's position is under threat
"What Chris has done for this football club has earned the respect of everyone and he's a huge player for Wigan Athletic," he said.
"It is important that every time he gets in goal he is fully fit and 100 per cent, and he is not putting himself in a situation that doesn't allow him to be at his best.
"It is important that he recovers completely and is ready to enjoy his football.
"He is one of the best professionals I have ever seen. They way he works on a daily basis has been good. He has been able to have a breather, he has been able to get his body back to normal and now we have great competition in the goalkeeping position as well as everywhere else in the team.
"Chris is a very important player for this football club and that will never change. Playing or not playing, that's just to make sure he is 100 per cent from the injury that he had.
"Chris Kirkland is too important for this football club on and off the pitch and we are just delighted to have him."
On the impressive Al Habsi, Martinez added: "At the moment the situation is that he is on loan and we are just happy that he's enjoying his football, he's settling really quick.
"Now he's bringing in great competition in the goalkeeping position.
"Chris Kirkland has been working really well and I hope he is going to be clear and fully fit for the upcoming months.
"That gives you outstanding cover for that position and we hope Ali he will keep on enjoying his football with us."
Wigan take on Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime and they could be boosted by the return of Franco Di Santo.
The former Chelsea striker has not damaged ankle ligaments following a scan this week despite first fears that he could face months on the sidelines.
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Free-kick drama behind Bruce

Steve Bruce believes Sunderland have put last week's free-kick controversy behind them ahead of Saturday's visit of Manchester United.
The Blacks Cats host Bruce's former club looking to bounce back from last week's controversial draw at Liverpool.
The home side took the lead after Sunderland were awarded a free-kick, and defender Michael Turner played the ball back to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Fernando Torres thought the free-kick had been taken and latched onto the pass before squaring for Dirk Kuyt to slot home an early opener.
The visitors were incensed as they felt Turner was merely knocking the ball back for Mignolet to restart play but after consulting with his assistant, referee Stuart Attwell allowed the goal to stand.
Sunderland responded brilliantly with a Darren Bent double putting them in front before Steven Gerrard secured a 2-2 draw.
And Bruce has called for a similar effort at the Stadium of Light, where the Black Cats claimed a 1-1 draw against Arsenal last time out.
"I think we've just recovered from it," he told Sky Sports.
"But the one thing I'm fed up about is talking about referees. It seems to have followed us for a while now unfortunately.
"A lot of people last week didn't realise one thing. The referee stopped Michael taking a quick free-kick. He played it back so the free-kick wasn't in the right position.
"But we've been through it, we've recovered from it. It was harsh and we felt hard done by but we still managed to play very well on the day and I hope we can repeat that on Saturday.
"We need to be at our best - like we were last week and like we were against Arsenal. I hope we've still got something in the locker to go there and play well because we'll have to go against a very good Man United team."
Sunderland v Man. Utd. Click here to bet.
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Park aiming to push on

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung is aiming to push on after completing his first match of the season.
The South Korea international played 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Valencia in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
His first-half display was poor but he improved after the break as United went on to win thanks to substitute Javier Hernandez's late effort.
Park now hopes his performances will improve after a difficult start to the campaign since returning to Old Trafford from this summer's World Cup.
He said: "I am not satisfied with my performances this season.
"I don't know why my performances have not been good. Maybe I was not ready for the season.
"But mentally I have been weak and I have to improve.
"In the first-half last night my performance was bad but at least the second was better."
Wednesday night's game was Park's third outing in a week and the South Korean believes he is starting to get some continuity.
"It is always difficult to get the balance," he said.
"I missed a couple of games and then played again, although since I joined Manchester United it has been like that so I should know how to deal with it."
Park also believes United will be able to compete without striker Wayne Rooney, who is set for a three-week stint on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Although most of Rooney's absence is covered by the forthcoming international break, he will sit out Saturday's trip to Sunderland and possibly the home encounter with West Brom a fortnight later and the clash with Bursaspor on 20th October.
Park added: "Throughout Manchester United's history we always come up with answers to problems.
"Big stars come and go but still the team keep producing the same performances.
"We just concentrate on that to make sure we show our quality on the pitch."
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Fuller could face Rovers

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has revealed that Ricardo Fuller could feature against Blackburn on Saturday.
The 30-year-old striker was stretchered off during the 2-1 win at Newcastle last weekend with a shoulder injury, having only been on the pitch 18 minutes.
First fears suggested the Jamaica international may have fractured his shoulder but Pulis says he is recovering well, with the injury only a dislocation.
"We don't think Ric is as bad as we initially thought," said Pulis.
"Fingers crossed he might have an outside chance for Saturday. I'm hoping he'll be fit and I'll be telling him he'll have two weeks to recover after the game.
"We thought it was a major injury and we could lose him for a long time, so for it not to be as serious as first thought is a real bonus for us.
"Him, Jermaine (Pennant), Andy Wilkinson has got a little problem with his knee that we're trying to sort out - they're the three concerns for us at the moment."
Stoke picked up recently after a slow start to the Premier League season and currently sit 14th in the table with seven points from six games.
If Fuller does not make the Rovers clash, Pulis can call on a number of other options, having brought in Kenwyne Jones, Jonathan Walters and Eidur Gudjohnsen this summer.
He added: "We have more options. We have more game changers than we have had since I've been at the football club, which is what you need.
"The squad is vital. It's not the 11 you pick each week, it's the squad that takes you through."
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Martinez backs Caldwell call

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has no concerns regarding Gary Caldwell's call-up to the Scotland squad.
The 28-year-old former Celtic centre-half is on the road to recovery from hip surgery, his last performance coming on the final day of last season when he received a red card in the 8-0 defeat at Chelsea.
But despite a lack of action since the operation, Scotland boss Craig Levein recalled Caldwell to his squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Spain.
Martinez, though, is not concerned and is confident Scotland will only select the defender is he is fit.
"We have a very good relationship with Scotland. They know exactly where Gary is," he said.
"The two medical departments have been in contact and I am quite happy for Scotland to call Gary up and use his experience and leadership.
"Physically they know he cannot be available for the two games but he is capable of performing in one of them.
"The demands of international football are very different to the demands of the Premier League.
"Gary is ready to play 45 minutes of international football if that is what Craig Levein wants.
"From our point of view it would speed up the rehabilitation period for Gary and get him closer to full fitness for the demands of the Premier League.
"It will be a great reward because Gary has been working hard and deserves the call up. Representing his country is something he really enjoys and takes real pride in.
"I am sure if Gary can join the squad and train, he is going to show the level he is at and that will be a real asset to the squad."
Far from taking the call-up in a negative way, Martinez expressed his pride that a Wigan player had been selected for an international squad.
"We are extremely delighted and proud for him at Wigan that a player who has not played a minute is highly rated by his national team manager," he added.
"That is something that is going to help him physically and mentally so he is ready to play for Wigan.
"What is important they know Gary's treatment and the programme he has been through.
"He is four to six weeks ahead of schedule. We did not expect Gary to be on the pitch now. That is real credit to the work he has done."
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Giggs backs Rooney to fire

Ryan Giggs is convinced Wayne Rooney will be fit and back to his best sooner rather than later.
The veteran winger believes the attention Rooney is receiving in the media at the moment is just part and parcel of being a Manchester United player.
Rooney's Premier League goal in the 3-0 victory against West Ham was the 24-year-old's first for the club since March, although he is currently out of action for up to three weeks because of an ankle injury.
Giggs is adamant that nobody at Old Trafford is worried about his recent form, amid allegations over his private life, and believes he will eventually come through his poor spell when he is back fit.
The 36-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Wayne is obviously a quality player. The season he had last year, scoring so many goals. He was single-handedly winning games for us at times.
"There is a lot of pressure on world class players and Wayne is certainly that.
"Because he hasn't started the season on fire, nobody is worried at the club. It is a long season and we all know what a quality player he is.
"We said at the start of the campaign, we cannot rely on Wayne like we have done. We did do last year.
"So, when Wayne starts scoring, we'll be in extremely good shape."
Giggs expects the England forward to come through the recent criticism he has received by the media and supporters over the past few weeks.
"It's part and parcel of being a United player, being a quality player, and playing for England," said the Welshman.
"If you're not banging goals in and you're not playing every week you're open to that criticism.
"There are 27 players in the squad, it's not all about one player."
"Wayne started playing when he was 16, you can't go throughout your career without people having a go at you.
"I've had it numerous times through my career. That's what happens when you're playing at such a big club."
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Coyle - Bolton still evolving

Owen Coyle claims Bolton are still evolving as he shapes his side into a more attacking unit.
Coyle took over at the Reebok in January of this year and has steadily altered the style of football at the club.
The 44-year-old has introduced a fluid attacking style to the team combining it well with Bolton's more traditional physical qualities.
Wanderers have been praised this season having only lost one of six Premier League fixtures so far.
Coyle's side held Manchester United to a exciting 2-2 draw on Sunday in a game from which they might have taken all three points.
However, Coyle insists there is still a long way to go in terms of the team's development.
"We are not anywhere near where I would like us to be," he said.
"This is very much a work in progress, but we are hopefully evolving day by day and trying to get better in certain aspects.
"We don't lose sight of the attributes we already have at the football club though and ultimately we try to play to our strengths.
"We have only lost one game in the Premier League at Arsenal in controversial circumstances, so we are hopefully getting there bit by bit.
"We are improving and we need to start turning draws into wins, but certainly there is a lot to be pleased about."
Coyle admits Sunday's dramatic draw against Sir Alex Ferguson's side showed how the players' approach to games has transformed during his time in charge.
"If you had looked at us when I took over in January, we were in the bottom three and it was a team that was low on confidence," Coyle said.
"They were fragile and they hadn't had a shut-out in any of the previous league games that season.
"If you compare that to the energy and belief we showed last week, then hopefully we are going in the right direction, but it doesn't take six or nine months for all of that to come to fruition. It takes a long time to build."
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King out to avoid hangover

Tottenham defender Ledley King insists the club need to avoid a European hangover by beating Aston Villa this weekend.
Spurs flexed their muscles on Wednesday night with an impressive 4-1 UEFA Champions League victory over FC Twente, despite the dismissal of Rafael van der Vaart.
Harry Redknapp's side tackle Villa on Saturday and King knows it is imperative the club do not drop any more Premier League points.
King accepts Spurs are vulnerable following European matches and is hoping his team-mates can right that wrong this weekend.
"This is what we've struggled to do in recent years," said King. "People are now looking at us after we've played our European games.
"When we've been in Europe in the past, our league form has suffered, so that's what we want to put right this season.
"We slipped up against Wigan and losing that game gives us an incentive not to let it happen again.
"The spotlight is on us and teams are waiting for us to slip up, saying we're the same old Tottenham.
"We don't want to be like that. We're at home to Villa and those are the games that we need to take three points from.
"We needed to bounce back against Twente after losing to West Ham and we didn't dwell on that and got the result we wanted. Now we will think about Saturday's game."
Tottenham 10/11, Draw 12/5, Aston Villa 3/1
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Hodgson denies striker interest

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has dismissed reports that he was interested in signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel earlier this summer.
The Reds face Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday, and Van Wolfswinkel will be leading the line against the Anfield outfit.
Some reports claim he could have been lining up against his former club, if Hodgson had got his way and signed the 21-year-old Dutch international.
"He is doing very well with Utrecht but I would be lying if I said we seriously considered signing him," said Hodgson.
"There was no question of him coming this summer.
"You've hit me with a name that I didn't know we were linked with."
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Ancelotti absent for Blues

Last updated: 30th September 2010  
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Chelsea will have to prepare for Sunday's clash against Arsenal without manager Carlo Ancelotti following the death of his father, Giuseppe.
The Blues boss flew out to his homeland earlier in the week to be with his father, who passed away at the age of 87 on Wednesday night.
Ancelotti will remain with his family in Italy for the funeral on Saturday before returning to London to take his place in the dugout at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian's backroom team, which includes coach Ray Wilkins, will take charge of preparing the Premier League champions for the crucial clash against the Gunners prior to his return on the day of the game.
Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season against Manchester City last weekend but still hold a four-point cushion over Arsenal after Arsene Wenger's men suffered a shock home reverse at the hands of West Brom.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Carlo Ancelotti's father Giuseppe passed away in Italy last night aged 87 with his son at his side.
"Everyone at Chelsea Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Carlo and his family. They are all in our thoughts at this time.
"The funeral will take place in Italy on Saturday. Carlo will return to London for Sunday's match versus Arsenal."
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Latics eye Al Habsi stay

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Roberto Martinez wants to keep Ali Al Habsi for as long as possible after his impressive start at Wigan.
The Oman international is on a season-long loan from Bolton and has already made a big impression, starting the last six games between the posts for the Latics.
Martinez has hailed the keeper as a 'breath of fresh air' and would like to keep the 28-year-old at the DW for as long as possible.
The Wigan boss said: "We are all pleased Ali is with us and we will try to keep him here as long as we can.
"He has been a breath of fresh air since he came in. He loves his football and has high standards.
"It is very rare that a foreign player has real knowledge of the Premier League but Ali has developed that during his time in England.
"Since his first game he has been performing at a very good level. He has been very consistent and assured.
"He has developed a great relationship with the back four and that is always important. But the main thing is he is enjoying his football."
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GTF targets Anfield win

Last updated: 30th September 2010  

 

Gary Taylor-Fletcher is determined to claim a famous win on Sunday as Blackpool take on Liverpool at Anfield.

The diehard Reds supporter is looking ahead to fulfilling a lifelong ambition by scoring the winner in front of the famous Kop.

The former Huddersfield and Lincoln player has dismissed all thoughts of divided loyalties as he seeks three vital points for Ian Holloway's side.

He told The Gazette: "We want the win. It doesn't matter who scores but if I did it would be absolutely unbelievable.

"But the main thing is that we put in a good performance."

Taylor-Fletcher produced a man of the match performance in the 2-1 home defeat against Blackburn last weekend and he expects to retain his place at his beloved Anfield.

"If we can match the standard of performance we produced last weekend, we'll have a great chance of getting a point, if not three," he added.

"They are not having the best of spells but they will be looking at Blackpool going to Anfield as a great chance to pick themselves up.

"But we'll be going there thinking it is a good time to play them.

"I was pleased to get back in to the side because to lose your place to injury is not the way you want to lose it," he added.

"I came on at Chelsea and had a good 45 minutes, and the gaffer rewarded with me with a start. I think I repaid that faith he showed in me by putting in a good performance."

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Cech welcomes squad shake-up

Petr Cech believes that Chelsea have benefited from freshening up their squad over the summer.
Michael Ballack, Deco, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho all departed Stamford Bridge following the side's Premier League and FA Cup glory in the 2009/10 season.
Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti acted by bringing in the likes of Yossi Benayoun and Ramires, and Cech has welcomed the tweaks to the team, who have begun this campaign impressively.
He told isport.cz : "For the dynamics of a team it is important to welcome some new players because that way departures follow and the team gets a new spirit.
"It is not possible to use the same style of play in two following seasons because the other clubs know you perfectly."
Chelsea have won five of their opening six league matches this campaign and tackle Arsenal this weekend, live on Sky Sports.
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Roo could miss three weeks

Wayne Rooney will be out for up to three weeks with an ankle injury, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.
The England international limped out of United's 2-2 draw with Bolton in the 61st minute on Sunday and had an ice-pack strapped to his ankle on the bench.
He had already been ruled out of the Red Devils' UEFA Champions League clash with Valencia on Wednesday night and now Ferguson has confirmed an extended spell on the sidelines.
The United boss said: "It will be two to three weeks. But it depends because Wayne has done quite well with his recovery from injury in the past."
If he is out for three weeks, the striker will miss the clashes with Sunderland and West Brom in the Premier League, as well as England's home date with Montenegro on 12th October.
Meanwhile, Ferguson also confirmed that midfielder Paul Scholes will be sidelined for 10 days with a calf problem.
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Drogba relishing Gunners clash

Chelsea ace Didier Drogba admits it will 'mean a lot' to face Arsenal at the weekend after admiring the team in his early playing career.
The Blues entertain their London rivals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in one of the biggest clashes of the Premier League season.
And former Marseille man Drogba says he is relishing the encounter after following Arsene Wenger's side during his playing days in France.
"I love playing big games and I love playing against Arsenal," Ivory Coast striker Drogba told Sky Sports News.
"I always say that Arsenal is one of my favourite teams.
"When I was playing in France, Arsenal was an example for us because there were all these French players who used to play in the French league and went abroad to play for Arsenal with a French manager.
"So to play against them for me means a lot."
Both Chelsea and Arsenal enter the capital derby on the back of their first Premier League defeats of the campaign last weekend, against Manchester City and West Brom respectively.
However, the two sides have gone some way to compensate for their losses with success in their midweek UEFA Champions League group games.
Drogba has underlined the importance of Sunday's clash, insisting it is crucial defending champions Chelsea do not relinquish another three points.
"I don't think we can afford to lose a second game, especially against Arsenal," he said.
"People have to know, and we know, that we're going to lose some games this season.
"But again, it's always good to win, it's always better to win."
Drogba was substituted in the 75th minute of Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at City last Saturday, and admits he was surprised to make an early exit.
However, the striking ace insists he respects manager Carlo Ancelotti's decision.
"I was surprised because I didn't expect that at that moment of the game," he added.
"But the managers always decide and I think he had some reasons and I understand them."
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Gibbs - We're behind Lukasz

Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs has insisted goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has the full support of the team.
The young England defender gave away a penalty late in the Gunners' 3-1 victory over Partizan Belgrade on Tuesday in their UEFA Champions League group game, but the Polish stopper saved Cleo's effort.
It was a much-needed confidence boost for Fabianski, who has previously been lambasted for some poor displays in what has proved to be a problem position for Arsene Wenger's team.
He is battling with Manuel Almunia for the starting jersey against Chelsea on Sunday with his rival, who blundered in the 3-2 home defeat by West Brom, having missed the European game through injury.
Gibbs admitted the whole team were backing Fabianski to justify his potential, and felt that he had proved himself.
"He is a great keeper or else he wouldn't be here at Arsenal," Gibbs said.
"I owe him a lot, although I can't really remember much about (giving away) the penalty.
"He put in a great performance. That is what he is in the team to do.
"Saving the penalty was just as important as scoring a goal for us.
"I think he felt like he had a point to prove. He has shown great character and he doesn't hide away.
"We do feel for him (after the criticism he has had) because we know his quality and he has shown them against Partizan - that is why I think he expressed that after he had saved the penalty and all credit to him."
Chelsea v Arsenal Clean Sheet: Arsenal 4/1
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Gold leaps to Green's defence

West Ham co-owner David Gold has defended goalkeeper Robert Green following his gesture towards the press box after the 1-0 win over Tottenham at the weekend.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper made the defiant gesture after performing well against Spurs at Upton Park, following a traumatic summer.
Green was guilty of a shocking blunder while playing for England during the World Cup in South Africa, allowing a tame long-range shot into his own net to deny the Three Lions victory in their opening match against the USA.
He has since been cast into the international wilderness by England coach Fabio Capello, and his club form suffered at the beginning of the season.
However, Green turned it around last weekend with some fine saves and Hammers co-owner Gold believes his gesture was warranted.
"I have to say I don't think there was any malice in it whatsoever," he said.
"I think he was just saying: 'Didn't I have a good game guys? Look, this is the real Robert Green. I'm back.'
"I think that was what happened and we ought to allow him to have that moment because that's all that it was.
"If the FA have written to him to explain that then fair enough, that's fine.
Let's move on. He didn't kill anyone."
West Ham have made a poor start to the season but that win on Saturday moves them above Everton at the foot of the table.
Gold believes Green is the right man to continue between the sticks for Avram Grant's side and says he is worthy of an England recall.
"When that game was over I thought, wow, what a performance," he added.
"He made some world class saves.
"In my mind, he is the England goalkeeper. He will have a bad day from time to time, goalkeepers do.
"Robert Green is an international goalkeeper, full stop. I would like to think he'd be back in contention for a place in the squad for the next England match.
"If I was the manager, I would pick him. He is a class act and he has a great character and a strong fibre within him. He's a great professional and I'd like to see him back in the England side on a regular basis."
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Rovers eye Goulon

Blackburn have handed a trial to French midfielder Herold Goulon.
The former French youth international is currently a free agent after leaving Le Mans in the summer.
The 22-year-old, came through the Clairefontaine academy in France and later joining giants Lyon.
He was then picked up by Middlesbrough and despite being highly regarded, he left Teesside without featuring in a first-team game - joining Le Mans in January 2009.
A number of clubs including Bordeaux and AC Milan have been linked, but he is now looking to earn a move back to England and is set to train with Rovers for the rest of this week.
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Campbell - More gems out there

DJ Campbell insists he is just the latest in a long line of unpolished gems from non-league aiming to be a top-flight star.
The 28-year-old completed a deadline day switch to Blackpool from Leicester and crowned his debut against Newcastle with a goal more associated with a seasoned Premier League striker.
Former England internationals Les Ferdinand and Ian Wright also learnt their trade in non-league, and the Blackpool striker maintains he will not be the last to be discovered.
"I think that those guys and people like me are still around in the non-league," Campbell told skysports.com.
"There are unpolished diamonds to be found there and some managers still go looking for players there regularly and take chances on them.
"It's down to the managers and scouts to put in the work because they will get their rewards - I can tell you that there are gems out there."
Campbell played an integral role in the Tangerines' promotion last term as he netted 11 goals, and now repaying the faith of Ian Holloway is paramount in his mind.
He added: "I had two loan spells here last season and I just remember how good the people were too me, in particular Ian Holloway.
"He took a chance on me and showed belief in me when people might have told him not too.
"But I also came back because I wanted to finish what we started here, it's a job that is not finished yet - so that's the challenge."
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Mancini out to make City great

Roberto Mancini admits it will take him another six months before people see his real Manchester City side.
The Italian manager purchased Jerome Boateng, Yaya Toure, David Silva, Aleksandar Kolarov, Mario Balotelli and James Milner with the help of Sheikh Mansour's millions this summer.
But Mancini says he has yet to complete his spending as he aims to shape the club in his own image and he maintains there is still a lot of work ahead.
Mancini said: "I think we can create a special team in six months. We need time to improve day by day to change the mentality.
"We must start winning consistently. That is important."
Mancini is aiming to get the better of Juventus in their glamour Europa League group match at Eastlands on Thursday evening.
The former Inter Milan coach has not ruled out the possibility of returning home to coach The Old Lady one day.
"Why not, football is like that," he said.
"I have never been an enemy of Juventus. I was a huge fan for years when I was a child so I have great respect for the club and the players.
"It will be a special match as it is the first time I am coaching an English team against Juventus.
"Obviously I miss home, as anyone would, but I am happy here. This is where I am living and working."
Mancini raised the stakes before the game by suggesting the Premier League was stronger than Serie A.
He said: "Juve and City are both new teams. We both need time to establish ourselves.
"I think the English championship is better than the Italian. They need to bring some big players back. They are not there at the moment."
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Magpies land French starlet

Newcastle United have signed French youngster Yven Moyo after he impressed on trial.
The France Under 18 international arrives at St James' Park on a free transfer after rejecting Sochaux's offer of a contract.
Moyo had been linked with moves to Manchester United, Ajax and Bordeaux, but Newcastle have won the race to sign the midfielder.
The 18-year-old, who has signed a four-year deal on Tyneside, was named as a substitute during Newcastle reserves' 2-1 win over Wolves on Monday night.
Moyo is expected to stay in the club's reserves so that he can continue his education under the gaze of Peter Beardsley and Steve Stone before pushing for a spot in Chris Hughton's first team.
Hughton admits Moyo is very much one for the future.
"He's very much one for the future. He's a lad who came on trial and showed enough to earn himself a contract," Hughton said.
"It will benefit him working with our development group and it is something that we will continue to do.
"We are looking at France as a very good market to pick up players - as many other clubs are - but it is not just there.
"We are casting our net much wider but it is all positive for the future of the club."
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Bent itching for United clash

Darren Bent has told Manchester United to prepare for a buoyant Sunderland side when they lock horns in the Premier League this weekend.
United will head for the Stadium of Light after Wednesday's trip to Valencia in the UEFA Champions League in what will be their third away game in a week and the Red Devils can expect another tough encounter against Steve Bruce's side.
The Black Cats' confidence has blossomed of late after last Saturday's point at Liverpool and the draw at home to Arsenal the previous week, which came via Bent's injury-time equaliser.
And the in-form striker has warned Sir Alex Ferguson's side they will not enjoy an easy day up in the North East.
Bent told SAFC TV: "As long as we take the great positives from what we did against Liverpool into the Manchester United game, I am sure we will be okay because at home against the big boys, we have been playing so, so well.
"Everyone seems to lift their game and the crowd lifts us and we seem to get the results we want to get, so if we can continue with the performance from Liverpool and take it into the United game, then it should be a good, good game.
"I can't remember the last time we lost to a so-called big team at home."
The answer to Bent's poser is that United were the last member of the Premier League's aristocracy to win at the Stadium of Light when Nani's 28th-minute strike secured a narrow 1-0 victory on 2nd May this year, although it has been something of a rare occurrence during Bruce's reign as manager.
Chelsea's 3-1 success on Wearside in August last year was followed by 1-0 wins over both Liverpool and Arsenal, while Tottenham, who finished fourth last season, lost 3-1 in April.
Bent is fully aware of the talent at United boss Ferguson's disposal even without the injured and out of form Wayne Rooney.
However, he is confident that Sunderland will more than give them a game if they perform as they have done to date on their own pitch this season.
He said: "United have got some top, top players - they have got Rooney, [Dimitar] Berbatov, who has been on fire this year, [Paul] Scholes, [Ryan] Giggs, Nani...the names are endless with the talent they have in their team.
"But at the same time, on Saturday they have got to come and play on the same pitch we have got to play on.
"The main thing is that we set our stall out and make it hard for them to beat us, and then we go from there and make sure we play our game and cause them a few problems."
England international Bent goes into the game with eight goals to his name for the new campaign, seven of them for Sunderland and five of those in the league, a return which leaves him just one behind Berbatov and Chelsea's Florent Malouda and level with Didier Drogba.
Meanwhile, Bruce has confirmed that keeper Simon Mignolet will keep his place this weekend despite Craig Gordon's return to fitness.
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Terry hopes for Anelka stay

Chelsea captain John Terry wants Nicolas Anelka to remain at Stamford Bridge for years to come.
Striker Anelka, who was slapped with an 18-match ban from the French Football Federation for his part in France's World Cup mutiny in the summer, notched his seventh goal of the season during Tuesday night's 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Marseille at Stamford Bridge.
Anelka was booed from the kick-off by Marseille's supporters but the 31-year-old, who hung up his international boots after being handed the ban, shrugged off the taunts to score a 27th-minute penalty on the back of Terry's seventh-minute opener.
The Frenchman, who arrived at the Bridge from Bolton for £15million in January 2008, signed a one-year contract extension in the summer to keep him at the Blues until 2012.
And Terry has urged the striker, who needs just one more goal to complete a half-century for the club, to remain with the Londoners for as long as possible.
"Nico has stressed before how much he loves the club," said Terry. "The fans love him, the players love him. We would love him to stay here for years to come.
"He is a great character to have around the place. He is a nice guy and a really good professional, someone who myself and the young players look up to and learn from.
"He has found a nice home here at Chelsea. He has come out and said how much he has settled here. We have a good base of French players here as well, so that helps people settle in. People like Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda are key to keeping people happy and so it works well."
France international and Blues team-mate Florent Malouda commended the way Anelka dealt with the pressure of the occasion, particularly with the clash being broadcast live on television back home.
"There was a lot of pressure on him because, as everyone knows, a lot of people in France were watching the game so he had many reasons to want to score," said Malouda.
"Everyone at the club knows his quality so I'm glad he had the chance to show that quality. I'm happy for him."
Chelsea, who return to league action against Arsenal on Sunday, suffered their first defeat of the season at Manchester City last weekend, but Terry insists there was no inquest after the game.
"There was no inquest after we lost. It was one of those things," added Terry.
"We have watched City this season and they have not looked that great but then they raised their game against us. It was probably their best game of the season.
"They're going to get encouragement from beating the in-form side in the league. But nowadays you're not going to go the whole season without suffering a defeat and it's about how you respond.
"We have another big game on Sunday and we're fortunate the games come thick and fast now and we can get on with it. It's good to get back to winning ways against Marseille and hopefully that continues."
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Edwards aims for regular role

Dave Edwards is looking to hold down a place in the Wolves side after making his first league start of the season.
The Wales midfielder returned against Aston Villa on Sunday for just his third league start in over nine months.
The 24-year-old suffered an ankle injury against Tottenham last December and is hoping to keep his place having returned to full fitness and got back into first-team contention.
"It was great to get my first league start of the season," he told the club's official website.
"I felt a little bit rusty at first because no matter how much you've trained it, always takes time to get used to the pace of a Premier League game again.
"But it was great to get back out there and I thought I was more involved as the game went on. I started to relax a bit more and play my football.
"I didn't feel at my best in the first half but thought I was more involved in the second up until my legs started to go with 10 minutes left.
"Fingers crossed I can keep myself in the team, get a run going and continue to improve."
Wolves switched to a 4-3-3 system during the game against Villa and Edwards caused confusion in the box as Matt Jarvis' cross ended up in the visitors' net to make it 1-1.
Emile Heskey's late winner condemned Wolves to a third defeat in their opening six games but Edwards is happy to continue in a wide role if it means keeping his place.
"With the three in the centre of midfield it does give me a little bit more license to go forward," Edwards added.
"It was on the right when I got in with a good chance in the first half. My natural position has always been in the middle but playing out wide is just as good for me as it means I'm in the team and I do enjoy it out there."
Wolves will aim to bounce back from the Villa setback on Saturday away to Wigan, where they claimed their first Premier League win of the season last August after winning the 2008/09 Championship title.
"Wigan away holds great memories for the team," Edwards added. "And on a personal note it was also my first Premier League start.
"We need to pick up a result again this weekend but we go there still full of confidence despite losing three games because we've been playing well.
"If I get the nod I'll hope to start the game as I finished the last. If I can do that and keep my place then I'll be doing everything I can to help the team try to get three points."
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Bruce keeps Mignolet faith

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon will not instantly reclaim a first-team place because boss Steve Bruce has been highly impressed by the performances of Simon Mignolet.
Gordon is generally considered to be the No.1 goalkeeper at the Stadium of Light but he has not played in the current campaign after sustaining a broken arm in pre-season.
Britain's most expensive shot-stopper, who was signed from Hearts for £9million in 2007, has now regained fitness, but Bruce is prepared to keep faith in Mignolet.
The Belgium Under 21 international will keep his place in the first XI against 2009/10 Premier League runners-up Manchester United on Saturday on the basis of his displays.
Bruce told the Sunderland Echo: "Simon's performances over the course of the season so far have been nothing short of fantastic.
"It would be harsh on him to miss out this weekend simply because Craig is back.
"But, to be fair to Simon, he fully deserves to keep his place anyway on the back of his last few displays for us.
"He has been absolutely terrific and what that has enabled us to do is give Craig Gordon every chance to get back to full fitness in his own time and make sure he's confident that his arm is OK.
"Maybe in the past we might have played him in the reserves on Monday, and then shoved him straight back in the first team. But there's no need to do that now.
"We've got the international break coming up, which will give him even more time to get himself right and then I'll have a decision to make in two or three weeks' time."
Meanwhile, Bruce hopes Scotland will not call on Gordon for October's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Spain.
"I hope Scotland don't use him, because I think he just needs another two or three weeks of continuous training and hard work," said Bruce. "That's not in my hands though, we'll just have to wait and see about that."
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Cuellar headache for Houllier

Defender Carlos Cuellar's bravery reminds Gerard Houllier of Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher and has caused the Aston Villa manager a headache.
Cuellar impressed in Sunday's derby win over Wolves and the Spaniard's form has now led to a selection dilemma for his boss.
Richard Dunne is close to returning from a knee problem and will be competing for a place in the Villa team for Saturday's trip to Tottenham.
Houllier therefore has decisions to make, but he welcomes the problem, telling the Birmingham Mail: "That headache I can take. A bad headache is when you've not got enough players.
"Carlos Cuellar looked strong and solid. He reminded me of Jamie Carragher. He goes for everything in the air - brave, that's the word."
Centre-back Cuellar could again be shifted to the right-back position that he occupied at times under former boss Martin O'Neill.
"I haven't seen him play at right-back, but if one day he has to play right-back he'll play right-back," said Houllier.
"The team reaches the level and wins things when a player understands that sometimes he has to play different positions. Sometimes he has to sacrifice himself for the rest of the team."
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Coleman dismisses Europe

Everton full-back Seamus Coleman has claimed talk of qualifying for Europe this season is off the agenda after their terrible start.
David Moyes' Toffees currently sit rock-bottom of the Premier League having only managed three points from six matches so far.
Pre-season talk of challenging for the European places has been thrown out of the window and the 21-year-old Irish defender just wants to get back to winning ways.
"I'd like to forget about what's going to happen at the end of the season and just start winning," he said in the Liverpool Echo.
"You don't want to be looking towards the end of the season before you've kicked a ball because anything can happen in football.
"You need to take each game as it comes. Every game in the Premier League is tough, and you have to treat the lower teams the same as the top teams. Look at West Brom beating Arsenal at the weekend."
Everton have not yet managed a win in the league this term but will hope to change things when they travel to Birmingham in the top-flight on Saturday.
A defeat to Brentford in the Carling Cup earlier in the month was preceded by a miserable 1-0 reverse at home to Newcastle.
But the Merseyside outfit managed a point at Fulham last time out and Coleman believes the mood in the camp will change once they get a few wins under their belt.
"If we can put a good run together then people start changing their tones, and three or four games unbeaten and you're flying," he added.
"But we can't look too far ahead. One win gets a bit of confidence back. Football is a lot to do with confidence, and wins will give us more of that."
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Hughton won't abandon tactics

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has no plans to alter the role of Kevin Nolan despite criticism of an overly-defensive approach.
The Magpies captain has been occupying a position behind lone front-man Andy Carroll as Danish forward Peter Lovenkrands has dropped out of the team.
Hughton favoured the tactic away from home in last season's Championship-winning campaign, but he has also been following that blueprint at St James' Park in the Premier League.
The method has backfired in home defeats to Blackpool and Stoke in recent weeks to lead to criticism of the use of Nolan, however, there are no plans for a change of selection.
"Kevin is a big, big player for us. He is key to what we do," Hughton told The Journal.
"What he does for us is play in the important role either off the front man or in the midfield and he will always get into goalscoring positions - that is what makes him important.
"Even in a very tight game against Stoke, he was in that position to get our best opportunity of the second half. I have no worries about a player like Kevin."
There have been calls for new-boy Hatem Ben Arfa to be offered a free role for Sunday's trip to Manchester City, although that would seem unlikely.
But Hughton is prepared to consider changes in personnel ahead of the Eastlands outing, with the likes of Sol Campbell and Shola Ameobi in contention after impressing in the Carling Cup victory at Chelsea.
"Of course, we have a lot of players pushing for a starting place against Manchester City, which is a very positive thing," Hughton said.
"A lot of players come into my thinking and everyone has the opportunity to stake their claim in training during the week.
"We have a good squad and the game against Chelsea proves that we have players who can come in and do a job for us."
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Fifa hails historic launch

Fifa chiefs believe their new online transfer system will stop clubs 'playing chicken' as the deadline approaches.
From this Friday, all international transfers will have to got through Fifa's Transfer Matching System (TMS).
The world governing body believes the system will prevent money laundering, protect minors and make transfers more transparent as clubs must declare if there is any third-party ownership - the issue that caused the Carlos Tevez controversy at West Ham.
The system will also shut down as soon as the transfer deadline is passed, preventing any confusion over whether paperwork was lodged in time.
And Mark Goddard, general manager of TMS, reckons that will deter clubs from leaving it late, just as Tottenham did on the last deadline day when they managed to agree and process a cut-price deal to sign Rafael van der Vaart from Real Madrid minutes before the window shut.
"It's no longer a good idea to play a game of chicken in the negotiations for transfers," he said.
"Over the last two-and-a-half years we have seen examples of big clubs like Real Madrid who last year came out very early in the transfer market and did their business in the first two weeks of the window.
"They avoided leaving it until the last minute as they didn't want to risk playing a game of chicken with a computer system which would say time has run out."
Goddard also explained that clubs risk sanctions ranging from fines to points deductions and transfer bans if they fail to be open about third-party ownership of players.
"For every single transfer it is mandatory for both clubs to declare that there are no third-party influences on this transfer," he added.
"That means we have an electronic record and if it appears that is not a truthful statement we can go back to the transfer in the system and remind the club or the association what they said on the record."
More than 30 details on each transfer have to be entered, such as information on the player, club details, all payments including the amount, timing and bank details, as well as agents involved and the payments to them.
Documentary evidence must also be uploaded onto the system, which will also keep track of individual players to ensure proper compensation payments for clubs that have trained young players only to see them move on.
"This is a historic moment for football," added Fifa president Sepp Blatter. "TMS is a relatively simple online system but it will have a tremendous impact on the international transfer of players.
"Thanks to TMS, football's authorities have more details available on each and every transfer. The most important thing is that it increases the transparency of individual transactions and helps us to tackle issues such as the fight against money laundering and the protection of minors in transfers."
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Fabianski geared up for Blues

Lukasz Fabianski insists he is ready to face Chelsea after impressing between the sticks for Arsenal on Tuesday night.
The goalkeeper, who had earned the nickname 'Flappyhandski' from some Gunners fans following a string of errors, answered his critics with two late saves, one from a penalty, as the Gunners saw off Partizan Belgrade 3-1 in UEFA Champions League action.
Since his arrival at the Emirates in 2007, Polish keeper Fabianski has taken a backseat to regular No.1 Manuel Almunia, who is himself under the spotlight following his below-par display in the shock home Premier League defeat to West Brom last weekend.
Almunia is doubtful for Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge due to an elbow injury, meaning Fabianski could be set to keep the gloves this weekend.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who has always backed Fabianski, was delighted with the Pole's performance in Serbia on Tuesday.
And the shot-stopper is keen to keep repaying the manager's faith, starting with this weekend's London derby.
"Overall, I am pleased with my performance," said Fabianski.
"I am not talking about just saves, but reading the game, coming for crosses or playing with my feet.
"Every aspect of goalkeeping is important for me, so I am pleased with my performance in general."
He added: "I am ready to play against Chelsea. I was always ready, so we will see.
"I was never really bothered by all the things said. I was always trying to focus on my job and my work.
"That is what I was always doing and that why I am grounded."
Fabianski feels the Gunners can face their local rivals with renewed confidence on Sunday following their Stadion FK Partisan triumph.
"We are playing really well this season," he said.
"The beginning was really good for us. There was a big shock on Saturday when we lost, but I think you could see against Partizan that we had learned some things from Saturday.
"The performance was much better so we are looking forward to the Chelsea game.
"It is going to be an exciting one to watch, and we are in good condition."
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Becks - No Euro return

David Beckham admits he is highly unlikely to play in Europe again this season.
The 35-year-old, who spent two loan spells at AC Milan in the last two years, says he will not be pursuing a similar move this time around as he needs to concentrate on getting back to full fitness.
The England midfielder returned to action earlier this month for the Los Angeles Galaxy and there had been mounting speculation that he may return to Europe at the end of the MLS season.
However, when asked about returning to Europe on loan again, Beckham said: "I don't think so. I'll never say never, but after my injury I need to really focus on getting my full fitness back.
"Physically I need to get myself back in order after a very long time out of the game. I can't say for sure, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is still determined to force his way back into the England set-up despite manager Fabio Capello appearing to hint that his international career may be over.
"No, I wouldn't say that," said Beckham, who wants to add to his 115 caps for the Three Lions. "But whether it's over or not is not really down to me.
"I want to continue to be available to play for England. That's all I can do. I am passionate about playing for my country and I have been for 15 years now.
"Ever since I was a little kid all I ever wanted to do was to play for my country. Whether the road is over or not, I don't really know, but I will continue to work hard to get my fitness right because that's the important bit at the moment.
"Once I've done that, we'll know more.
"I hope England continue to push on and keep bringing young players through; this is an important thing for the future of English football at international level."
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