Chelsea player ratings: Lethal Giroud haunts his old pals while Emerson gamble pays off
OLIVER GIROUD doomed his former club, leading the demolition of Arsenal in the 4-1 Europa League final victory.
The French striker, 32, opened the scoring, grabbed an assist and won a penalty in the second half - and celebrated in front of his ex-team-mates.
While Emerson, 24 - given the nod by Maurizio Sarri ahead of under-fire Marcos Alonso - shined and posed a constant threat against the Gunners straight from kick-off.
It was the Italy international's delivery that led to Giroud's opener which began Chelsea's furious second-half foray.
Blues star Eden Hazard, following a quiet first half, netted twice in the second period to sink dreadful Arsenal.
Here are SunSport's player ratings following the all-London Europa League final in Baku.
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA
Highly agile with sharp reflexes which were tested when Xhaka grazed his crossbar in the first half.
Took a risk lunging at Lacazette’s ankle in the box and he seemed to develop a phobia about catching the ball.
CESAR AZPILICUETA
Throws himself at everything in the captain’s role.
Even took a headbutt in his wedding tackle from his own keeper as a price for his bravery.
Involved in the Arsenal penalty appeal in the first half.
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN
In the team due to injury to Antonio Rudiger and after a five-game run is looking more assured at the back.
DAVID LUIZ
Robust challenges when needed but also the odd mishap.
Luckily Arsenal’s front line disintegrated right before his eyes.
A few meaty tackles early on must have frightened the opposition.
EMERSON
Preferred to Alonso for his defensive strengths at left back yet his most telling moment was the flicked cross for Chelsea to take the lead.
Also let rip with a shot of his own in the first half.
N'GOLO KANTE
Looked remarkably sharp for all Chelsea’s bluff about his hooky knee before the game.
Supplied a precise cross for Giroud in the first half which his fellow Frenchman fumbled.
JORGINHO
Not popular with Chelsea fans but you must admire his silky and steely touch.
Hard to get past and an exquisite passer.
Settling in to the team after a season now and supported the forwards well.
MATEO KOVACIC
Hard at times to define his role in the team but he grew into last night’s game and he was on hand to snuff out the ever decreasing danger as Arsenal wilted in the second half.
PEDRO
A waspish and nimble figure.
Had warned Arsenal with a fierce shot in the first half but next time a clinical finish was the answer as he latched onto a pass to turn home the second goal with style.
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OLIVIER GIROUD
Should make better use of his impressive physicality.
Wasted one good chance but immensely brave to put his head on the cap of Koscielny’s knee to score his 11th Europa League goal.
Also won a penalty and pulled off a lovely lob to Hazard for his second goal, putting the game to bed.
EDEN HAZARD
Looked like he was trying to do too much as Chelsea tried to break free from the early Arsenal pressure.
And then grabbed an assist for the second goal as well as bagged twice to settle the result.
Always a potent threat and capable of great skill.
SUBS
Willian (for Pedro 71mins), Ross Barkley (for Kovacic 71 mins), Davide Zappacosta (for Hazard 89 mins).