Chelsea ended the Premier League season with a win at Sunderland thanks to goals from Golden Boot winner Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole.

We didn't have it all our own way on a bright day in the north east, but never looked like being beaten against a Sunderland side still playing to secure their survival.

An uneventful first half was eclipsed by an entertaining second that contained five goals. After a minute Anelka fired home his 19th league strike of the season from 30 yards to tie up the Golden Boot before Kieran Richardson equalised shortly afterwards.

The points were made secure as sub Kalou and Cole scored in the closing stages before Kenwyne Jones claimed a late consolation.

Guus Hiddink, making his final Chelsea selection in the Premier League, wouldn't have won many friends on Wearside with his strong selection. He did however opt to rest Frank Lampard and Alex, who were replaced with Juliano Belletti and Branislav Ivanovic.

Nicolas Anelka was looking for a goal that would seal the Golden Boot, and would do so from the right flank, possibly buoyed by the knowledge that Cristiano Ronaldo would not be figuring for Manchester United at Hull, Sunderland's relegation rivals.

Looking for the point that would guarantee safety, Ricky Sbragia picked three forwards on the bench, but only one on the pitch, Kenwyne Jones starting as the lone target man.

In the early exchanges he cut an isolated figure, while his opposite number Drogba chipped onto the roof of the home net and then volleyed viciously into goalkeeper Marton Fulop's fists.

That was the only slightly memorable action of the opening 20 minutes, though Juliano Belletti may struggle to forget the challenge that forced him off, making him a possible doubt for FA Cup Final duty in six days' time.

Driven on by their loud support, Sunderland forced a hesitant Petr Cech into action 25 minutes in. Grant Leadbitter crossed into the corridor of uncertainty around the six-yard line, inches beyond Jones's head. The Chelsea goalkeeper came for the cross but fumbled, though fortunately Ivanovic was on hand to hook the ball clear.

The Serb was also on hand a couple of minutes later to head away Phil Bardsley's cross after the full-back had escaped Malouda's attentions.

At the other end Ashley Cole showed quick feet to create room for a cross, picking out Drogba at the far post, but the Ivorian's header was tame and wide.

A minute later Cole was booked after his legs tangled with Kieran Richardson's while Sunderland broke.

Perhaps the standout moment of the first half arrived after 37 minutes as cheers broke out around the Stadium of Light. News had arrived that Aston Villa were in front against Newcastle. It was certainly big news, but perhaps also indicative of the lack of noteworthy action here.

Before half-time Malouda drove right-footed straight at Fulop and then the keeper saved well from Drogba, but there was no breakthrough. Neither manager looked overly concerned.

The second half began very differently as Anelka sealed his own personal triumph.

Picking up the ball 40 yards from goal, he strode forward and unleashed the truest and straightest of shots that flew into Fulop's far top corner. It was simply unstoppable, and more than deserving of the Golden Boot that was now his.

Sunderland clearly weren't feeling safe yet though and responded quickly. Having fallen behind after a minute of the second half, they were level within another six.

A deep cross from the left evaded Cech's reach and fell to the feet of Richardson, who sidestepped a Chelsea lunge before firing low between blue-shirted defenders to equalise.

With 20 minutes left they should have been in front when Steed Malbranque ran from deep inside his own half past three Chelsea players before playing a one-two and shooting low. Cech saved well from the Frenchman and Michael Ballack cleared it behind.

Back on the attack Chelsea could have scored when Salomon Kalou, on for Michael Essien squared to Malouda 25 yards from goal. The winger's shot was well struck but deflected high over the crossbar.

When Kalou next picked up possession, the results were equally as impressive as Anelka's before him. This time the shot was aimed towards the near post where it caught Fulop unaware, and sneaked inside the upright to put Chelsea back in front, another nice strike.

Aware they were still not out of trouble Sunderland had to fight back. Cech had to save low at his near post from Bardsley, who then failed to get back into position allowing Anelka to test Fulop once again.

The keeper saved but he would soon be picking the ball out of the net. Malouda went through and was blocked by the keeper, but the ball fell loose to Ashley Cole, without a goal this season, who calmly slotted home with his weaker right foot.

Game over with five minutes left. Now Sunderland fans would have to hope Hull and Newcastle both stayed behind in their respective fixtures.

Right on 90 minutes Jones halved the deficit for the Black Cats, getting his header in from close range before Cech arrived.

The cross had come in from the Sunderland right, and Jones had lost his marker, something that needs to be addressed before Everton come to London next week.

The Stadium of Light's biggest cheer of the afternoon came after the final whistle with confirmation Newcastle had slipped into the second tier, and the Mackems had survived. Middlesbrough will also join them.

For Chelsea, the Cup Final is still six days away. Until then Blues fans can be pleased with a winning end to the league season and the prospect of further Champions League competition next season, third place already secured before this afternoon.

The addition of some silverware at Wembley will be very welcome indeed, and with Lampard to return in search of his 20th goal of the season, we have every reason to be confident.

By Andy Jones

Sunderland (4-5-1): Fulop; Bardsley, Davenport, Ferdinand, Collins; Malbranque (Healy 78), Whitehead (c), Tainio (Reid 64), Richardson (Murphy 85), Leadbitter; Jones.

Goal Richardson 52

Booked Bardsley 39

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry (c), A Cole; Essien (Kalou 64), Mikel (Mancienne 77), Belletti (Ballack 26); Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.

Goals Anelka 46, Kalou 73, A Cole 85

Booked A Cole 33