The Ivorian, in the squad due to Dider Drogba’s suspension from Champions League football, wasted a handful of first-half chances before eventually breaking the deadlock from Ashley Cole's deflected cross just before the break.
And Ancelotti said after the game: 'Kalou is an important player for us because when we are without Drogba he can play and do well.
'He made a big mistake at the start [firing wide of an open goal from Michael Ballack's pass], but he maintained good motivation and focus to score twice after that.'
Last night was Kalou's first appearance since the 1-0 win at Apoel Nicosia on September 30th and the striker admitted that he was just pleased to be on the pitch.
'It was a very good opportunity for me, I haven't been playing lately and I scored two goals which is very good,' the striker said.
'It is very important to win at home - we were pleased to win and for me it was a very good team performance.
'I knew that we would have a lot of chances, playing with players like Deco, Ballack, Lampard shows we will always have a lot of opportunities, so even after missing the first one I wasn't worried because I knew I would have a lot more.'
Kalou will be hoping to keep his place in the squad as they host Blackburn, and the Ivorian joked of his substitution while on two goals: 'The manager said to keep it for next week, so I'll keep one for Saturday!'
And Ancelotti said after the game: 'Kalou is an important player for us because when we are without Drogba he can play and do well.
'He made a big mistake at the start [firing wide of an open goal from Michael Ballack's pass], but he maintained good motivation and focus to score twice after that.'
Last night was Kalou's first appearance since the 1-0 win at Apoel Nicosia on September 30th and the striker admitted that he was just pleased to be on the pitch.
'It was a very good opportunity for me, I haven't been playing lately and I scored two goals which is very good,' the striker said.
'It is very important to win at home - we were pleased to win and for me it was a very good team performance.
'I knew that we would have a lot of chances, playing with players like Deco, Ballack, Lampard shows we will always have a lot of opportunities, so even after missing the first one I wasn't worried because I knew I would have a lot more.'
Kalou will be hoping to keep his place in the squad as they host Blackburn, and the Ivorian joked of his substitution while on two goals: 'The manager said to keep it for next week, so I'll keep one for Saturday!'
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