Zhirkov and Anelka help Chelsea sink Spartak

Chelsea returned to the scene of their Champion's League final disappointment of two years ago last night, and if it brought up any bad memories they didn't let it show, winning 2-0 against Spartak Moscow.

The man who memorably missed a penalty before succumbing to tears, John Terry, was back to his imperious best and shut out the Spartak attack as and when they threatened the Chelsea goal.

Nicolas Anelka, who also missed a penalty that night two years ago, put away his fourth goal in three European games to seal the victory after Yuri Zhirkov opened the scoring, with his first Chelsea goal, after 23 minutes.

Chelsea now top Group F with three wins in three and need just one point from their remaining three games to guarantee qualification to the knockout stages. Abramavich's decision to employ a coach with a proven European trackrecord in Carlo Ancelotti is paying dividends.

"I don't think the players were thinking about the last defeat in this stadium. They were focused on this game. It was an important moment for Yuri, coming back to play for Chelsea in Russia. He scored a fantastic goal and will be very happy tonight," said Ancelotti.

One man who could help push Chelsea to European success, although not until next season, is troubled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who is rumoured to be a target for the Blues after telling Alex Ferguson he wanted to leave United.

Although he would be Anelka's rival for one of the front two berths, the French striker would be happy to see him join.

"He is a good player and everybody knows his quality," said Anelka. "If he wants to come to Chelsea he is welcome." ·