West Bromwich Albion were relegated from the Premier League after losing 2-0 to Liverpool while Chelsea marked Guss Hiddink's last match in charge at Stamford Bridge with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on a "farewell" Sunday.
Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt scored in each half to end West Brom's improbable hopes of hanging on.
The home side wasted a number of chances during their late rally before going down after just one season in the top-flight league.
Liverpool, who are disappointed for having lost the title race to champions Manchester United, stretched their unbeaten League run to 10 matches and moved on to 83 points, their best tally since the Premier League started in 1992-93.
Florent Malouda's header after just four minutes and a 58th- minute strike from Nicolas Anelka paid tribute to their interim manager, who finished undefeated at Stamford Bridge in his successful three-month reign.
The final whistle ignited the carnival atmosphere as the home fans bid an emotional farewell to Hiddink, who is due to resume his full-time job as Russia coach. The Dutchman was greeted with placards and banners saying "Thank you, Guss" and "Guss, don't go".
Nicolas Anelka crossed for Malouda before scoring his 18th league goal of the season, which put him at the top of the scoring chart with Cristiano Ronaldo of United.
With only one game to go, Chelsea are likely to end the season in third. But there is still one trophy left for them to strive for as they are playing against Everton in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 30.
Although a recent revival in form suggested that West Brom could launch a second "great escape" after famously avoiding relegation in 2005, their chances receded after 28 minutes when England's Footballer of the Year Gerrard robbed Shelton Martis before dinking the ball in to put Liverpool ahead.
West Brom, committing more men to attack after the break, were denied a penalty for a Leiva Lucas tackle on Marc-Antoine Fortune while Luke Moore hit the post.
Instead, it was Liverpool that eventually took advantage when Kuyt drove home a shot in the 63th minute to make it 2-0 and seal the hosts' fate.
West Brom's late surge even provoked a heated exchange between Jamie Carragher and Alvaro Arbeloa, with the Liverpool defenders angrily pushing one another.
(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2009)
