Guus Hiddink enjoyed the atmosphere of his final Premier League game, and praised his players for their committed performance.

In bright sunshine, we were 3-2 winners up at Sunderland with Nicolas Anelka helping himself to the division's Golden Boot, firing home his 19th league goal of the season from long range.

It was a strike that took the French forward back ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, and Hiddink explained the tactical changes that allowed it to happen, right at the beginning of the second half.

'That's very enjoyable to see and we talked about that at half-time. First of all we are here for the win, second if we can help him to get the Golden Boot that would be good for everyone and we talked a bit about that,' he began.

'If you are too eager to get something then it normally will not happen, so we said we have to play a little bit differently, more off the ball, and in the first action Drogba went off the ball and not towards the ball, created space for Anelka and at that moment he had to execute it and I think he did it with a world class goal.'

That was the first of five second half goals that kept the home support on the edge of their seats as they searched for the point that would guarantee their safety. In the end they didn't need it as Newcastle and Middlesbrough surrendered to defeats, allowing for a party in the Stadium of Light.

'It was good to hear after the last whistle the public applauding a team losing at home, that's rather curious but I understand it because of the salvation for the Premier League,' smiled Hiddink. 'Tremendous atmosphere, it is a good club, tremendous support applauding not winning. It's a signal the people support it very much and it's nice to have that experience.

'I think the approach from our side was serious and it should be like that. It was an honest game, because we knew they had to get one point for being safe, although you could expect other favourable results for Sunderland elsewhere.

'We had a good game, some periods a little bit sloppy when they made it 1-1 but overall I think we dominated control of the game rather well.'

Missing this afternoon were Frank Lampard and Alex, both left out with minor injuries that will not threaten their presence at the FA Cup Final. Juliano Belletti will be a doubt though after he limped off in the first half this afternoon.

'We'll see tomorrow how Belletti will react to the kick he got on his thigh,' Hiddink said. 'The other ones who were not here today, Alex and Frank Lampard, have practiced in the last days and were having a bit of a problem at the beginning of the week but will be fit for Saturday. The only question mark will be Belletti.'

Lampard's knock was described by Hiddink as 'a minor problem in the back of his knee. but a minor problem, and he was practically two days off after the Blackburn game and then started step by step training.'

There are now six days remaining to prepare for the FA Cup Final, and Hiddink's final bow as Chelsea coach.

Asked whether the English top flight has seen the last of him, the 62-year-old referred to past experiences as a reason not to promise anything.

'I said once, but it's already 10 years ago maybe when I was working in Spain, when I finish here I will do something different, not in the flashlight of football as we are now. I could not keep that promise so I won't promise it anymore,' he said.

'Of course I will miss the Premier League, I have seen it from the inside now which means it is a very attractive league. Working in the inside I have enjoyed almost every minute of it and in a great club.'

The story now enters its Final chapter. Let's all hope for a happy ending on Saturday.