Chelsea ensured a top three Premier League finish with a 4-1 win at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. The three points mean Chelsea will enter directly into next season's Champions League group stages, a competition they were controversially eliminated from in midweek at the semi-final stage.

Arsenal, however have now to negotiate an open draw qualification for next season's Champions League, which could potentially pit them against a team from the German, Spanish or Italian leagues.

The Gunners were made to pay for profligacy in front of goal as they dominated for long periods without unduly troubling Petr Cech.

Alex headed Chelsea in front via the underside of the cross bar and ex-Gunner Nicolas Anelka hit a 25-yard strike to double the visitor's lead.

Arsenal's Kolo Toure put through his own goal before a Nicklas Bendtner header gave the hosts a glimmer of hope.

But Chelsea wrapped up the win when Florent Malouda slotted in after Anelka's shot hit the post.

Florent Malouda insists his side can finish the season as Premier League runners-up.

He told Sky Sports: "We knew that it would be difficult to start again but I think we did it very well and we are very happy with the result because to win here at the Emirates, the way we did, is very good.

"We knew that we had to control the game, if we concede any goals they could come back but we kept possession, that's what we changed when we were leading 2-0.

"We tried to keep the ball and make them run and we knew that we would have other opportunities."

The Blues are now just three points behind Liverpool with two games left to play.

"I think that until the end of the season our challenge will be to try and be runner up," he explained.

"We know it will be difficult because Liverpool are playing very well but that's our challenge.

"For the fans we have to do it. If we play the way we played today there will be no problem."