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Terry dismisses concerns regarding away form

Nicolas Anelka hit the woodwork during Chelsea's goalless draw with Aston Villa © PA Photos

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John Terry insists Chelsea's away form "is not a problem'' and warned their Premier League title rivals that they aim to maintain their flying start to the campaign.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were held to a goalless draw at Aston Villa after losing at Manchester City in their previous match away from Stamford Bridge.

But they still hold a five point advantage over Manchester United after their shock 2-2 draw with West Brom at Old Trafford.

"People can say we are wobbling away from home but we are top of the table at the moment so let people say what they want to say," Terry said.

"We've had a great start to the season and we aim to continue that. We've got a couple of home games coming up but our away form is not a problem.''

Chelsea have now only won once at Villa Park in their last 12 league visits, and Terry admitted that the Blues have struggled away to Villa in recent years.

"From our perspective, we've found it difficult coming to Villa the last three or four years," Terry said. "We knew the Manchester United result before the game started but coming to Villa is always tough.

"They've got a new manager (Gerard Houllier) and the players are trying to impress him. For us, to come away with a point was promising.''

"We've seen teams improve year after year in the Premier League - and Aston Villa are no different. Whether you go to take on a bottom side or a top side, it is going to be very difficult.''

Terry returned to action at Villa Park after missing England's goalless draw with Montenegro in mid-week in a Euro 2012 qualifier with a back problem.

He is optimistic of having suffered no reaction and being fit for Tuesday's Champions League encounter away to Spartak Moscow.

"The back is okay," Terry said. "I was very disappointed to miss the England game in the week. Sitting at home and watching the game - and the result - was really frustrating. But I'm fine so hopefully it (the back) will be okay for Tuesday.''

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