Chelsea are now just four points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the top of the Barclays Premier League although United have two games in hand on the Blues.

A vital second-half strike by Didier Drogba earned Chelsea all three points against Portsmouth on a rain-soaked Fratton Park pitch and Hiddink paid tribute to the 'never say die' attitude of his players.

"What is good in this team, is that they react when there are difficulties," said Hiddink.

"Many players react in a way I normally don't like but this team is not happy when things are not going well and they make an extra effort to get their rewards.

"I notice there is a desire to have success and we have some key players who are demanding a lot from themselves and also from the other ones, which is key for big players with a big status.

"They challenge each other and it is very open. It shows the team is not fed-up and has desire.

"In difficult circumstances we are satisfied with a win. It was a tough win. The first half was equal and we tried to push on in the second half because we have to win if we want to put pressure on the number one team in the league.

"It didn't happen until late in the game but we have to admit we are very happy. Petr Cech, at the end, when they played all or nothing, made one or two fine saves.

"It was very important to get three points because if we want to keep up the pressure, we have to win.

"United have games in hand and they have a buffer. They are an experienced team but that is why it is good that we keep on winning.

"It keeps the pressure on. It is good for everyone in this championship to keep the pressure on the number one team."

Drogba's season at Chelsea has been hampered by injury, suspension and a personality clash with former boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

He was axed by the former coach after their 3-0 hammering at Old Trafford in January but Hiddink says he has seen nothing wrong with his attitude since taking charge.

Drogba ran to the bench to celebrate his goal and Hiddink added: "He is very happy with his goal. He knows he has not scored many goals this season.

"It gets rid of a bit of tension. When a player is playing in that position and not scoring, then it comes to such an emotional explosion.

"If you are a striker you like to score. They live to score and to assist."

Portsmouth's caretaker boss Paul Hart lost his first game in charge since taking control from the sacked Tony Adams to leave Pompey still fighting to avoid relegation.

But his disappointment was tempered with knowledge that he has been appointed as manager until the end of the season.

Hart declared: "It is definitely a disappointing result but I thought it was a tremendous performance.

"We had a strategy and the boys kept to it. We created chances on the back of that but against the top teams you have to stick them away.

"I think we could have won but two saves by Cech were outstanding. I thought we deserved at least a point.

"There are a lot of disappointed players in the dressing room but they know they put in a performance that merited a little bit more.

"It is how we respond to that now. We have a difficult period of the season to come. We can take heart from the way we played."

Hart admitted he was very pleased the board had given him the job until the end of the season as it means he and assistant Brian Kidd and focus even more on keeping them in the top flight.

"I am very pleased," said Hart.

"I think it is good for all concerned the club and the players, because there has been a decision made and we can plan a little bit further on now.

"Hopefully we can do what the job is about and that is to stay in this division. It has only been three games but in those games the players have shown magnificent determination and response.

"If we maintain that spirit we will be a very difficult to beat."