Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka concedes that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is the biggest factor in this season's title battle.

Anelka said: "United don't have a notably better or more complete squad than Chelsea or Liverpool.

"But Ferguson is so smart and so impressive.

"He keeps spotting and signing precisely the right players to complement what he already has and give balance to his squad.

"Then, what is massively important and difficult, Ferguson somehow teaches them to understand and demonstrate the special spirit of his club.

"He has been there doing it for a long time. But he keeps on succeeding."

Chelsea travel to Liverpool tomorrow and Anelka added: "Failing to take all three points would be a catastrophe in terms of what lies ahead for us during the remainder of the season."