Chelsea have won the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday. The „Blues“ prevailed in the final in Baku against Arsenal after a stunning second half with 4: 1 (0: 0) and got so after 2013 for the second time the EL Cup. Arsenal, meanwhile, must continue to wait for the second European Cup title after 1994.
After a restrained first half hour Chelsea turned on especially after the break. Olivier Giroud (49.), Pedro (60.) and Eden Hazard (65./Elfmeter, 72.) with a double pack ensured clear conditions. For the „Gunners“, in which the offensive stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Özil delivered a pale idea, a hit by substitute Alex Iwobi (69) was too little. Coach Unai Emery missed out on his fourth European League success, with the Basque leading Sevilla three times to the title.
Chelsea did a valuable service to the LASK. Austria’s runner-up is likely to compete in the Europa League group stage, if he fails in the Champions League qualification. The Linzer are in the summer in the third qualifying round, in an Arsenal triumph they would have been required a lap earlier. A possible opponent could be the „Gunners“, who would have needed a final victory for the CL qualification and now have to play as Premier League fifth again in the Europa League.
Both teams delivered in the first half a foamy idea and tried to take control. The first succeeded Arsenal. The „Gunners“ were more present and agile, but could only make little capital out of it. In the 18th minute Alexandre Lacazette went down in the penalty area after a duel with Chelsea goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga. The whistle from referee Gianluca Rocchi remained silent. Even the first time used in the Europa League video assistant did not answer.
For Chelsea, a long-range shot of Granit Xhaka, who grazed the top of the crossbar (28 ‚), finally called for a wake-up call. The „Blues“ found their rhythm and two chances, which could defuse Petr Cech but. First, the 37-year-old Czech was in a central attempt by Emerson (34), then he dipped in a low shot by Giroud from (39) and proved that he does not count to the old iron despite his announced career end.
Giroud dives to Chelsea for the lead
Even after the break Chelsea came out of the cab better and was rewarded with the opening goal. After a cross from the high-playing Emerson Giroud was faster than Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny and met his former club with a pike head to deserved 1-0 lead (49th). Cech had no chance at the eleventh European League striker of the French team striker this season.
Arsenal was challenged but found no gap in the well-placed Chelsea defense. The local rival from London did better. After losing the „Gunners“ in midfield, Hazard put the ball in the back. Arsenal neglected Pedro. The Spaniard did not miss this opportunity, hit the far corner after an hour of play and set the course for victory.
Three hits in seven minutes
The „Blues“ were on the safe side and put on their third goal with the help of the opponent. After Pass Pedro brought Ainsley Maitland-Niles with a fierce attack in the back Giroud case. Referee Rocchi did not hesitate and immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Hazard stepped in and hit the middle of the net (65 ‚).
Emery brought with Matteo Guendouzi for Nacho Monreal and Iwobi instead of Lucas Torreira two new players. Especially the Nigerian team player proved to be a gold grip. Just two minutes into the game, Iwobi hammered a volley from 20 meters into the far corner (69 ‚). But the hopes of the „Gunners“ for a comeback lasted only three minutes. After perfect preliminary work by Giroud Hazard laced his double pack and put to 4: 1.
Arsenal finally lost his tooth. The „Gunners“ had defensive signs of disintegration, and they were happy not to slip into a debacle. Willian lost to Cech (79.), captain Cesar Azpilicueta narrowly missed a shot (81 ‚). In the end, Arsenal also failed earnings cosmetics. The 19-year-old Joe Willock did not put the ball down in front of Arrizabalaga (84 ‚).
