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Chelsea ratings as Eden Hazard gets a 9 in fitting Europa League final farewell

Chris Bailey

01:18 30/05/2019

Eden Hazard had his fingerprints all over a majestic Chelsea performance in what is likely to be his last appearance for the club, as the Blues destroyed their London rivals Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final.

After a rather drab first half, Olivier Giroud, Hazard and Pedro combined to devastating effect against a hapless Arsenal.

Giroud’s brilliant diving header kicked things off, Pedro’s smart finish doubled proceedings while Hazard scored a penalty and swept in another.

Alex Iwobi’s wonder strike off the bench didn’t give Gunners even a hint of hope as Unai Emery’s side floundered in Baku.

Here are our Chelsea ratings …

CHELSEA (4-3-3)

Kepa Arrizabalaga – Didn’t help his defence with a couple of flappy moments, watching brief for Iwobi’s goal 5

Cesar Azpilicueta – Had a difficult job watching right flank while playing narrow to ward off both strikers. Coped admirably 8

Andreas Christensen – Chelsea’s diligent Europa League campaigner barely put a foot wrong in a deserved final victory 7

David Luiz – Not as composed as his two colleagues in defence, though that’s not his game, is it? Solid job. 6

Emerson Fittipaldi – Lovely, cute low cross for Giroud forced the floodgates open and was tough in the tackle when needed 7

N’Golo Kante – Not fully fit, but a perfectly good round peg that Sarri insists on being hammered into a square hole 6

Jorginho – Could Sarri-ball finally be coming together? Was the tick to Chelsea’s tock in midfield 8

Mateo Kovacic – Mazy run set Chelsea on the path to their third, one of his most impactful games for club 7

Pedro – Industrious while lacking quality for an hour, then made up for it with that first-time strike. Role in third goal, too 8

Olivier Giroud – So often ridiculed, but a not-quite-elite player starred in a not-quite-elite competition with a stunning display 8

Eden Hazard – Did the defence with his eyes to set up Pedro, polished things off clinically with double. How Blues will miss him 9

SUBS

Willian (71′) – Replaced his fellow experienced campaigner in Pedro, but the attacking had already been done 6

Ross Barkley (75) – Didn’t have to do anything but remain diligent and inject some fresh legs 6

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