Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka gave Chelsea a 2-0 victory over Blackburn in the last match at Stamford Bridge under the charge of temporary head coach Guus Hiddink.
The Dutchman is set to return to his full-time role with the Russian national team following the end of the season, which will conclude with the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Chelsea were good value for their win, with Blackburn also putting on a decent performance despite having little to play for. The Blues, who have a slim chance to catch Liverpool in runners-up spot, started brightly, and took the lead after just four minutes.
Anelka escaped down the right, before whipping the ball back onto the penalty spot, where Malouda arrived on queue to crash a bullet header past Paul Robinson.
Rovers had a chance to get quickly back on level terms, but captain Ryan Nelsen headed El-Hadji Diouf's right-wing cross over from six yards.
Frank Lampard struck the crossbar after being played in by Anelka, before Gael Givet had to be alert to hack away Malouda's chip over the goalkeeper.
Chelsea continued in determined mood following the restart and doubled their lead after 59 minutes.
Cole's ball in was missed by Malouda, but Didier Drogba touched back for Anelka on the edge of the Blackburn penalty area. The French striker needed no second invitation, and drilled in his 18th league goal of the season, to draw level with United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Robinson produced a fine reaction save from Anelka at point-blank range during stoppage time before Chelsea and their departing coach all enjoyed a lap of appreciation after the final whistle.
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