Arsenal hero Nigel Winterburn says Chelsea ace Nicolas Anelka was never a "sulker" at Highbury.

It was 11 years ago that he made a huge impact in Arsenal's Double winning side and was honoured with the PFA's Young Player of the Year award.

Winterburn was part of the Gunners team that benefited from Anelka's youth and exuberance back then and he told the London Evening Standard: "People used to say he was a bit of a sulker, but I think that is just his demeanour. He isn't as bad as people say and when he was at Arsenal you just had to understand him.

"He just needs to feel loved a little bit and Wenger always tried to make him feel good about his football. His ability has never been in doubt. You don't go to the clubs he's been too and not be a big player.

"One of the key things Ancelotti appears to have done is to make him feel at home and he is getting the best out of him as well.

"Nicolas is probably looking at the players Chelsea have and sees that this is a chance to win big honours again. Maybe he thinks this is it, the right time to achieve something.

"He is also playing alongside the perfect partner for him in Drogba now. They are completely different players but it works as a combination."