Europa League Final: Chelsea Thrash Arsenal 4-1 To Lift Trophy

Alex Iwobi’s Stunner on the night did nothing to assuage the humiliation of Arsenal as Chelsea churned out an impressive 4-1 victory in their 2018-19 UEFA Europa League final match-up.

The Nigeria international came off the bench to score the Gunners’ only goal as they disappointingly slumped to Maurizio Sarri’s machines in Baku, the capital and commercial nerve centre of Azerbaijan

After a goalless first half at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the Blues resumed the second 45 minutes on a flying note with Olivier Giroud breaking the deadlock in the 49th minute before Pedro and Eden Hazard stretched the lead in the 60th and 65th-minute respectively.

With Unai Emery’s side trailing 3-0, Iwobi was brought on for Lucas Torreira in the 67th minute. Two minutes later, he justified his introduction with a stunning effort from outside of the penalty area.

But there was no comeback for the Gunners as Hazard quickly compounded their woes with his second goal of the night, coming in the 72nd minute.

Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was in action for the entire duration of the match but could not find his finishing touch late on.

The defeat means Arsenal will play in the UEFA Europa League next season after finishing fifth in the English Premier League.

Iwobi is expected to shake off Arsenal’s disappointing end to the season, and join the Super Eagles for their Africa Cup of Nations training camp that opens in Asaba on Sunday, June 2.

Nigeria will be aiming for its fourth AFCON title in Egypt next month. They are paired against Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi in Group B of the tournament. – With agency reports