King wary of threat posed by Drogba
Tottenham captain Ledley King admits he will have to be on top form
to get the better of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba at White Hart
Lane. Drogba, who on Friday signed a new four-year deal at Stamford
Bridge, has 10 goals this season but has earned a reputation for
going to ground easily.
"Hes in great form at the moment," said King, 26, ahead of Sundays
clash. "Ive played against him a few times and I recognise him as a
great player. I enjoy playing against his style of play, so it
should be good."
He added: "Hes a clever player, there are clever players around who
wait for a bit of contact and go down. Im not really thinking about
though. Youve just got to play the game and Ive got to be clever in
my challenges as well."
Spurs have not defeated Chelsea in the league since 1990 but King
insists the dismal run will not affect preparations, and he is
encouraged by his sides eight-match unbeaten run.
Martin Jols men are running into form after picking up just one win
out of their first six Premiership matches this season, a
surprising start after just missing out on Champions League
qualification in their last campaign.
"Were going out to win and playing for the three points, the record
doesnt matter - win, lose or draw were not thinking about the
record," King said.
"We havent started as well as wed have liked but were slowly
finding our feet. Theres a big gap between us and Chelsea but it
doesnt mean we cant beat them on the day and thats what well be
looking at. We recognise were a young side and were still trying to
build. Last season was a good season for us but we realised that
this season would be a lot tougher."
He added: "Theyll be hard to beat on Sunday regardless of any
record." Tottenham were defeated at White Hart Lane by Chelsea last
season when striker Mido was dismissed in the first half, while
William Gallas scored a late winner at Stamford Bridge.
"Thats what champions are about, they know how to get the job done
and that is what they did at Stamford Bridge," King said. "We have
to believe we can win the game, theres no point going out and
thinking about anything other than trying to win the game, thats
how well approach it."
At the other end of the pitch, King expects Dimitar Berbatov to
cause Chelsea problems after the Bulgaria striker netted twice in
the 3-1 over Club Bruges on Thursday in the UEFA Cup.
"That will put us in good stead for Sunday, well be in good spirits
for the game," King said. "If we can get the ball in the right
areas to him (Berbatov) hes a great finisher. Hes started to show
that in games."
