Hazard (two targets), Chelsea declare Europa League title

Chelsea produced an outstanding second-half show to win the Europa League, beating Arsenal Four-1 within the remaining in Baku on Wednesday.

Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Eden Hazard (2) scored the targets which earned Maurizio Sarri silverware in what might be his remaining match in cost. The Gunners, in the meantime, have been left to ponder one other season within the Europa League, with solely Alex Iwobi’s comfort to indicate for it.

Hazard was very good for Chelsea as his reported transfer to Actual Madrid seems to edge nearer.

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That mentioned, Arsenal have been by far the higher aspect within the first 45 minutes however crumbled after the break, their defensive inadequacies clear for all to see.

The primary likelihood of the sport fell to Arsenal after seven minutes, and it was Kepa Arrizabalaga who nearly gifted them a purpose. Ainsley Maitland-Niles delivered what seemed to be a innocent cross from the proper, however the goalkeeper solely palmed the ball into the trail of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — however the striker dragged his shot properly large.

Eden Hazard starred in what’s more likely to be his remaining Chelsea look. Alex Grimm/Getty Photographs

VAR confirmed its face for the primary time within the 18th minute. Alexandre Lacazette broke via into the field and edged the ball previous Kepa earlier than going to floor. Referee Gianluca Rocchi pointed for a purpose kick earlier than the video assistant checked for a doable penalty, however suggested the on-pitch determination was right and there was no evaluate.

Granit Xhaka tried his luck from 25 yards together with his weaker proper foot, an amazing effort that simply clipped the highest of the bar. Cesar Azpilicueta then obtained a block on a Sead Kolasinac effort which simply looped excessive of Kepa’s purpose.

Chelsea had loved some extra promising moments, and at last had a shot of word within the 34th minute. Hazard flicked a go into the trail of Emerson Palmieri, who’s left-footed drive was overwhelmed away by Cech.

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Cech needed to come to the rescue once more six minutes later when shovelling away a shot from Giroud.

The opening purpose got here 4 minutes after the break as Giroud haunted his previous membership. Emerson noticed the run of the France worldwide throughout the field and picked him out completely, Giroud stooping to move into the underside nook. It was his 11th of the Europa League marketing campaign to make him the outright high scorer within the competitors.

Chelsea doubled their lead on the hour. Mateo Kovacic intelligently held onto the ball ready for Hazard on the overlap, and he picked out Pedro for a easy first-time end previous Cech.

Olivier Giroud scored the primary purpose and arrange one other within the rout. Getty

Minutes later Maitland-Niles bundled over Giroud contained in the field, leaving Rocchi with a easy determination to level to the spot. Hazard coolly slotted down within the center to make it three.

Arsenal got a glimmer of hope within the 69th minute as Alex Iwobi produced a high quality long-range effort which gave Kepa no likelihood.

It was not more than a glimmer, as Hazard added a fourth inside three minutes. Hazard performed in Giroud, and the striker delivered the one-two again to Hazard who continued his run and completed with a half-volley.

Verify then needed to get down neatly to disclaim Hazard a hat trick, earlier than pushing Willian’s shot behind for a nook. Azpilicueta then fired a yard large as Chelsea utterly dominated Arsenal.

Lacazette had the possibility to tug a purpose again when springing the offside lure however this time it was Kepa’s time to disclaim the opposition. Substitute Joseph Willock then curled large of the put up when he merely needed to rating to sum up Arsenal’s night time.