French striker Nicolas Anelka failed to inspire Shanghai Shenhua again as defending CSL champion Guangdong Evergrande walked away a 1-0 winner at the Hongkou Football Stadium last night.

The former Chelsea striker was at fault, allowing for a freekick that sealed Guangdong's winner in a game that saw both sides reduced to 10 men.

Anelka was again deputed for a midfield role as Shenhua's struggles in the middle of the park remained answered.

The only goal of the match came in the 28th minute of the game when Guangdong's Argentinian midfielder Dario Conca's freekick was directed into the net by teammate Feng Junyan.

Shenhua almost had a perfect beginning when Anelka stole the ball from Evergrende defender Paulo inside the box but the former French international was unable to beat Guangzhou keeper Yang Jun, much to the dismay of the 21,000 fans who turned out for the game.

Referee Sun Baojie came in for criticism after issuing 8 yellow cards and sending off Shenhua's Song Boxuan and Guangzhou captain and former Shenhua player Sun Xiang.

"If there weren't some meaningless yellow and red cards, we'd have been better," Shenhua's French coach Jean Tigana said. "I don't want to talk too much about the referee, but I feel sad to see the situation.

"I am disappointed by the result. The goal was accidental and the first half was a bit complicated as we took yellow cards too fast, which affected our game," Tigana told reporters.

Meanwhile, Shenhua sources claim that a planned trip this weekend by Didier Drogba's wife and his agent was moved for a later date, suggesting that a deal to get Drogba to Shanghai could still be on.

In other games yesterday, Beijing Guo'an beat Tianjin Teda 3-1 at home and Shandong Luneng beat Qingdao Jonoon 1-0.