Chelsea secured third place in the Premier League with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over London derby rivals Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
The Blues made the short trip to the north of the capital well aware that a win against their fourth-placed hosts would guarantee a top-three league finish and an automatic spot in the group stages of next season's UEFA Champions League.
And Alex and Nicolas Anelka, a second-half own goal from Kolo Toure and a late Florent Malouda strike saw Guus Hiddink's side bounce back in style from their controversial defeat to Barcelona, and ensured Arsenal - who netted a consolation through Nicklas Bendtner - will be forced to play a continental qualifier.
Arsenal were guilty of wasting a number of excellent chances in the opening exchanges and Arsene Wenger's side were ruthlessly punished on 28 minutes as Alex superbly got his head to a Didier Drogba free-kick.
The Gunners - who were dumped out of the European Cup semi-finals by Manchester United in midweek - were then further rocked 11 minutes later as former player Anelka struck a superb second when unleashing a low, swerving effort from 25 yards.
Arsenal's misery increased four minutes after the interval as centre-back Toure netted at the wrong end when attempting to intercept an Ashley Cole cross.
Substitute Bendtner restored some home for the home side with a 70th minute header, but Malouda wrapped up the points when netting in the closing stages.
Chelsea - who beat Arsenal to reach the FA Cup final at the end of the month - are now guaranteed automatic entry to Europe's elite club competition once again next season, while Arsene Wenger must again guide his young team through qualification as another campaign finishes empty-handed.
Highlight:
Arsenal v Chelsea
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