Chelsea were crowned Europa League champions on Wednesday night after a second half blitz saw them defeat rivals Arsenal 4-1 in Baku.
After a goalless first half, during which Arsenal were arguably the better side, Chelsea came out after the break a different team. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring four minutes after the interval to open the floodgates. Pedro doubled the lead, before Eden Hazard - in what is likely his final game for the Blues - struck twice, including a penalty.
Arsenal substitute Alex Iwobi pulled one back with a stunning finish to make it 3-1, but Unai Emery's side were never likely to stage an improbable fightback.
As the dust settles on this Europa League final, we rate the players involved. Who shone and who struggled in the Azerbaijani capital?
For the Chelsea player ratings, click or swipe through the photo gallery above. For the Arsenal ratings, click or swipe through the gallery below.
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Petr Cech 7/10. It was a tough end to the career of one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era. However, the Czech stopper could hold his head high after a string of saves kept Arsenal from an even heavier defeat. Reuters -
Sokratis Papastathopoulos 5/10. The Greek centre-back was Arsenal’s most commanding presence during the first half and looked composed. That was, until the second half when he and his teammates got overran. Reuters -
Laurent Koscielny 4/10. Caught out by Giroud for the first goal and the French striker undoubtedly won this battle, particularly in the second half. EPA -
Nacho Monreal 4/10. Looked comfortable during the first half, but lost his shape and composure during Chelsea’s rampant second half. EPA -
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 6/10. The English full-back was Arsenal’s best defender – solid in defence and full of energy going forward – but he conceded the penalty that summed up Arsenal’s capitulation. AFP -
Lucas Torreira 3/10. The Uruguayan midfielder completely disappeared in the second half as Arsenal were dominated in the middle of park. AFP -
Granit Xhaka 4/10. A fine long range effort in the first half was as good as it got for the Swiss midfielder, but like the rest of the Arsenal midfield, faded badly. Getty Images -
Sead Kolasinac 3/10. Failed to take advantage of all the space down the left in the first half and unable to stem Chelsea’s attacks in the second half. Reuters -
Mesut Ozil 3/10. A frustrating night for the German midfielder who struggled to make any meaningful contribution on the game. For a player of his talents, another big game passed him by. Reuters -
Alexandre Lacazette 6/10. Arsenal’s most dangerous threat, the French striker looked sharp from the offset and were it not for some late Chelsea blocks, could have got on the scoresheet. Was severely lacking support. AP Photo -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 3/10. A hugely disappointing night for one of Europe’s finest strikers, the Gabonese player never looked a danger and Chelsea dealt with him comfortably. Reuters -
Mattieu Guendouzi (for Monreal, 66min) 5/10. Came on with Arsenal already 3-0 down and chasing the game. Little he could do to reverse his side’s fortunes. Getty Images -
Alex Iwobi (for Torreira, 67min) 6/10. Scored a peach of a volley to pull a goal back for Arsenal, but his contribution proved too little too late. Press Association -
Joe Willock (for Ozil, 77min) 5/10. Saw a late shot curl just past the post, but ultimately not much the young midfielder could do as Arsenal drifted towards defeat. Reuters
