Rafael Benitez‘s time as interim manager of Chelsea ended in victory as they beat Everton 2-1 at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

Juan Mata opened the scoring after just seven minutes with his twentieth goal of the season before Steven Naismith equalised for the Toffee’s, themselves playing under the guidance of Manchester United bound David Moyes for the final time.

Top scorer Fernando Torres then hit the winner fourteen minutes from time to secure all three points for the hosts, who end the season on 75 points, their highest total in three years.

The result clinched third place, and automatic qualification for the Blues, who will now continue their search for a new manager, though it is expected that former boss Jose Mourinho will be appointed accordingly.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku ended a fine season on loan with West Bromwich Albion by hitting a second half hat trick to secure a remarkable 5-5 draw against Champions Manchester United in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final match as manager.

Lukaku finished the season on seventeen league goals, the best return by any player in the Premier League era for the Baggies, who are desperate to keep hold of the Belgian international for next season.