Anelka treble gives Hiddink the perfect welcome

LONDON: Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka gave new manager Guus Hiddink the perfect welcome as his hat trick clinched a 3-1 win over Watford in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.

Hiddink doesn't officially take charge until today after replacing sacked Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari late last week, but the Dutchman was watching from the Vicarage Road stands alongside owner Roman Abramovich as Anelka's late treble denied Championship strugglers Watford a famous victory.

Hornet striker Tamas Priskin had threatened to give Hiddink a headache when he chipped the hosts ahead. But Anelka equalized in the 75th minute, struck again two minutes later and put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.