Victory of the Week: Players, Coaches React to Chelsea's 4-1 Win over Arsenal
May 29, 2019
Chelsea's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the UEFA Europa League final football match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijian, on May 29, 2019. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)
Victory of the Week is presented by Walmart.
Chelsea won the 2019 UEFA Europa League on Wednesday after a 4-1 victory over Premier League rivals Arsenal at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
After a goalless first half, the Blues found themselves 2-0 up before the hour mark thanks to an Olivier Giroud header and a Pedro strike. Eden Hazard made it 3-0 from the penalty spot in the 65th minute before Alex Iwobi pulled one back with a powerful shot with a little more than 20 minutes remaining.
However, Hazard secured victory by grabbing his second of the night three minutes later after good work from Giroud to hand Chelsea their second Europa League triumph.
The Belgium international said after the match he thinks it was his last game for the Blues (UK only):
"I think it is a goodbye, but in football you never know." 😢
The win saw Chelsea midfielder Jorginho pick up his first trophy since joining the club from Napoli in summer 2018, and he told Sky Sport Italia that the Blues fully deserved their win (h/t Football Italia):
"It's wonderful to win such an important trophy after a long, tough, difficult season, but I think we deserved it. Aside from all the criticism, I think we had a great season. We finished third in the Premier League, reached the final of the Carabao Cup even if we didn't win it in the end and won this trophy."
The victory makes for a successful season for manager Maurizio Sarri, whose position has come under scrutiny despite also leading the club to third place in the Premier League.
The Italian offered his verdict after the match, per UEFA reporter Paolo Menicucci:
Sarri: "We won 12 games out of 15, we scored more than any other team in the #UEL, in the final we defeated a strong team 4-1. I dedicate this victory to #Napoli fans because I didn't manage to give them this kind of joy and to the players who missed this game due to injuries."
Defender Emerson Palmieri was asked by Sky Sport Italia after the match whether Chelsea should keep hold of Sarri (h/tFootballItalia).
"You saw the results, right? You saw what we achieved this season?" he said. "It wasn't easy, but we finished third, we reached the Carabao Cup final and won the Europa League. What more can you want?"
It was a deserved win for Chelsea but disappointment for Arsenal. Not only did they taste defeat in Baku, but the result also means they will not be playing UEFA Champions League football next season.
Manager Unai Emery told BT Sport that Chelsea deserved their victory (h/tTomRostanceat BBC Sport):
"First is congratulations to Chelsea. In the first half we played with good opportunities to take a good result. We got to the box with good options and chances to score but the first goal changed the game. We tried to stay in the match but their second goal made it difficult for us. It was going better for them and when we wanted to do something, we couldn't find what we needed to score. They deserved to win."
However, several of the Arsenal players did not want to speak after the match:
No surprise that Ozil didn’t want to speak to British press at full time. Y’ know, cause of the ‘agenda’. Not the best look to be hiding behind Kolasinac as he makes his way through the mixed zone.
Goalkeeper Petr Cech spoke to BT Sport following what was his final game before retirement (UK only):
"I'm proud of myself. I am proud of the way I played today."
"I have done everything so I can look back and I have no regrets."
An emotional Petr Cech addresses Arsenal supporters after playing his final match. pic.twitter.com/k8lru9uw8d
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 29, 2019
Emery has plenty of work do to improve Arsenal over the summer ahead of his second season in English football in an attempt to return the Gunners to the top four.
Sarri can reflect on a fine campaign and savour his first major trophy as a manager, although it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard Says 'I Think This Is Goodbye' After Winning Europa League
May 29, 2019
Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard celebrates after celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijian, on May 29, 2019. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)
Eden Hazard scored twice in Chelsea's 4-1 UEFA Europa League final win over Arsenal on Wednesday and then said after the match this is likely his last outing with the Blues:
The Belgium international is expected to seal a move to Real Madrid shortly, and Los Blancos hope to unveil him on June 3, according to AS' Sergio Santos Chozas.
If Hazard does depart Stamford Bridge he will go out on a high after helping the club win the Europa League for the second time.
The 28-year-old scored Chelsea's third goal from the penalty spot after Olivier Giroud had been fouled and then sealed the victory and completed his brace in the 72nd minute.
Hazard's performance in the game saw him named man of the match and attracted plenty of plaudits:
#Hazard named man of the match - no shock there. #cfc
Hazard has frustrated Sarri almost every week this season - in training, in matches - but he's the only reason Chelsea qualified for the CL & he's made his coach a trophy-winner tonight #cfc#afc
Congratulations to @ChelseaFC on winning the Europa League. Superb 2nd half performance and a brilliant display from @hazardeden10 ....possibly his last for the club. Boy, they’ll miss him if he goes.
The forward was then quizzed about his future after the full-time whistle and offered an update:
Hazard expands with @CarrieBrownTV: "I want a new challenge. like i said last year after the world cup but it didn't happen. So now it's between both clubs. So i will see. i am still waiting, like you are waiting, and the fans are waiting. So we will see in a couple of days"
Hazard has enjoyed a successful career at Chelsea since joining from Ligue 1 side Lille in 2012. He has won the Premier League and Europa League twice as well as the FA Cup and League Cup.
He has also scooped plenty of individual awards and will leave as a club legend:
7⃣ Seven seasons 👕 352 games ⚽️ 110 goals 🅰️ 92 assists 🏆 x 2 Premier League 🏆 x 1 FA Cup 🏆 x 1 EFL Cup 🏆 x 2 Europa League 💪 2014/15 PFA Player of the year. 👊 4 time PFA Premier League team of the season.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez toldOnda Cero'sEl Transistor programme (h/t Goal'sSacha Pisani) his club have been trying to bring Hazard to the Santiago Bernabeu for some time.
"We've been trying for a number of years to make Hazard a Real Madrid player, but we haven't achieved it yet," he said. "I'd really like Hazard to come to Real Madrid and really hope he does. He is one of the best footballers."
Perez may be about to finally get his wish, with Real Madrid in need of a summer overhaul after a disappointing campaign that saw them finish a distant third in La Liga and knocked out of the Champions League by Ajax.
Eden Hazard's Brace Guides Chelsea Past Arsenal in 2019 Europa League Final
May 29, 2019
Chelsea's Eden Hazard, left, celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Europa League Final soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Olympic stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Chelsea defeated Arsenal 4-1to win the 2019 UEFA Europa League final in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday.
The Blues turned on the style in the second half as they crushed their Premier League rivals to claim the trophy.
Olivier Giroud expertly headed home shortly after half-time to open the scoring and Pedro made it 2-0 on the hour mark.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles clattered Giroud to concede a penalty five minutes later, and Hazard made it three for Chelsea on the night from the penalty spot.
Alex Iwobi's impressive strike gave Unai Emery's side hope after 69 minutes but Hazard grabbed his brace seconds later to make it a convincing scoreline.
Emery Has Failed In His First Attempt to Rebuild Arsenal
On a night when it appeared a contest between two of London's great clubs would be a close affair, the Gunners collapsed against a Blues team that worked through the gears after a slow start.
Hazard had another inconsistent game, with his performances at the end of the season becoming less dynamic with each contest, but Arsenal's defence once again was short of the required standard when the Belgium superstar skipped through the gaps.
After a subdued first half, Giroud's diving header opened the scoring four minutes after the restart. The Frenchman's glance was clinical as it beat Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech.
The goal was stinging but it was Emery's team's response that underlined the defensive issues in his squad.
Pedro found too much space in the box to make it 2-0, and Arsenal heads collectively dropped on the pitch and in the stands.
The second goal illuminated the sheer amount of defensive problems Emery has to solve in the summer transfer market, per BT Sport:
The Blues double their lead! 👏
Eden Hazard cuts the ball back for Pedro to sweep into the corner!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 29, 2019
Two goals in seven minutes ensured Hazard will claim the headlines after the final, and the Belgian was given a standing ovation as he was substituted in the closing stages.
Emery did not have the tactics to hurt Chelsea and Maurizio Sarri's team provided an attacking performance that will warm Stamford Bridge hearts.
It's back to the drawing board for the Gunners. The progress has been minimal this season, with 10 Premier League defeats telling a wider story.
In contrast, Sarri's men gave clutch performances in multiple positions, and the combination of Hazard and Pedro playing off Giroud was too much for the north London team as the match progressed.
What's Next
Chelsea are scheduled to visit Japan during their pre-season activities in July before the next campaign, with Arsenal set to tour the United States. The 2019/20 Premier League is due to begin on August 10.
Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey Rejected Unai Emery's Advice Before Picking Up Injury
May 29, 2019
NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal recieves treatment for an injury during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between S.S.C. Napoli and Arsenal at Stadio San Paolo on April 18, 2019 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery has said he advised Aaron Ramsey to rest before he picked up his season-ending injury against Napoli on April 18.
The Gunners play the last game of their 2018-19 campaign on Wednesday when they face Chelsea in the UEFA Europa League final in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Ramsey, 28, will be sidelined for the fixture due to the hamstring injury that saw him substituted during Arsenal's Europa League semi-final second leg in Naples, which they won 1-0.
The injury ended Ramsey's season, and in turn his Arsenal career, as the Welshman is joining Juventus on a free transfer this summer.
And Emery has now explained he warned Ramsey about overplaying before he was injured, per James Robson of the Evening Standard:
"Now we can speak about that. Sometimes you cannot play every match with the same players because some players can be a risk for injury. When he was playing against Napoli, he was injured. The Monday before, we played Watford, we won 1-0, and I prefer he didn’t play. I spoke with him. 'Aaron, we are playing a lot of matches now. I think you need to rest one match.'
"[He said]: 'No, no, coach, I want to play, I want to play, I want to play, I want play, it is very important for me, it is very important for the team, I want to play.'
“'OK. Play.' And we won. After, Napoli. 'You OK?' 'Coach, I can, I can, I can.' And this is the process with him I had."
Ramsey's absence against Chelsea could be a big blow given Arsenal need to win in order to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League:
Aaron Ramsey very emotional as he says his farewells at Arsenal. Will be badly missed - not just in the long-term but right now as The Gunners now have to win the Europa League to reach the Champions League.
The former Cardiff City man, who joined Arsenal in 2008, is one of the Gunners' most effective midfielders, and without him, Emery's side may lack some control in the middle of the park.
Ramsey is also an attacking threat. He netted four goals and provided six assists in the Premier League in 2018-19, and memorably scored winners for Arsenal in FA Cup finals against Hull City in 2014 and Chelsea in 2017.
That knack for providing goals on the biggest stages could have proved useful for Emery and Arsenal on Wednesday, but they will instead have to rely on the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to score against the Blues.
They are Arsenal's best attacking weapons, and could be the key men if they are to lift the Europa League trophy on Wednesday:
Chelsea are hardly unbeatable, but they have looked the more consistent of the two sides recently and finished third in the Premier League in 2018-19.
That means they have already qualified for the Champions League, but manager Maurizio Sarri will still be eager to bring home a trophy in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea fans will relish the prospect of preventing their London rivals from qualifying for Europe's elite tournament.
Alexandre Lacazette: No Jealousy in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Strike Partnership
May 29, 2019
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 28: Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal during the Arsenal training session prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 28, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette has said there's no jealousy between him and strike partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of the UEFA Europa League final.
The pair could lead the line against Chelsea in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday, and Lacazette has talked up their potent partnership.
"Me, I am not jealous of anyone. I just want to win trophies, Auba as well. Of course it is always better to play together, but when one plays and the other stays on the bench you just have to help the team when you can.
"Yeah [it does feel telepathic], but sometimes it is wrong! Sometimes he goes left and I put the ball right. But normally we work a lot to be on the same wavelength. We want to be as perfect as possible.
"Of course, the coach knows we want to play together, but of course he has to make a choice and we have to respect them. Playing with Auba is always a pleasure for me."
The duo have scored 50 goals in all competitions this season overall, 31 for Aubameyang and 19 for Lacazette. The former has also provided eight assists, and the latter 13.
It took some experimenting, but manager Unai Emery has found a system that accommodates both players:
In the Europa League, they've netted 10 times between them in the knockout phase:
🔥 Fire and Ice ❄️
Aubameyang 🤝 Lacazette
Arsenal's dynamic duo have struck up a fearsome partnership this season and produced some fantastic goals! pic.twitter.com/NEsz2ivAEP
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 26, 2019
On their partnership, Lacazette said they "work a lot in training to be quicker and have a good relationship."
He added:
"But we don't feel it is just because of us, we feel it because we are a good team. We have Mesut [Ozil] and more good players, and it's easier for the team. Even when I don't play, like against Burnley, the team was good and we played well, so I don't think its just because of Auba and me. We have a good group, and we just want to keep going and play well."
The Gunners will be relying heavily on the pair in Baku, though.
Aaron Ramsey will miss the match through injury, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has not travelled because of safety concerns and Ozil has not had a particularly inspiring season. Assists are typically the German's bread and butter, but he has laid on just three in all competitions.
The two strikers are the only other reliable match-winners in the squad, and they also give Arsenal a cutting edge that Chelsea sometimes lack. The Blues scored 10 goals fewer than Arsenal in the Premier League, and Gonzalo Higuain has found the net just five times in his 18 games.
If Arsenal beat Chelsea, it's likely at least one of their key partnership will have played a major role.
Chelsea vs. Arsenal: Odds, Live Stream, TV Info for Europa League Final
May 29, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal in action with Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on January 19, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Chelsea and Arsenal will contest the 2019 UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday as one of the Premier League giants looks to cap their season with silverware.
Victory at the Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, is Arsenal's only remaining route into next season's UEFA Champions League after they finished fifth in the league campaign.
Gunners manager Unai Emery and Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri will end their first seasons in charge of their respective teams with pressure on both to ensure they clinch a trophy.
Chelsea beat Benfica 2-1 six years ago to seal the title, while Arsenal's only previous appearance in a Europa League final was the 2000 penalty shootout defeat to Galatasaray (then the UEFA Cup).
The road to Baku has been a bumpy one for both teams, both of whom boast impressive recent records in Europe.
Arsenal suffered surprise defeats in their visits to BATE Borisov and Rennes but have now won five Europa League games in a row. Chelsea, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last 17 games in the competition, winning all but two of those.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (eight) and Alexandre Lacazette (five) have combined to form a devastating partnership in attack for the north Londoners, via the club's official YouTube channel:
One man who won't feature for Arsenal on Wednesday is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose Armenian nationality meant security in Baku was deemed too grave a concern for him to play, per the Guardian's Andrew Roth.
There is some debate around who will—or should—start in goal for the Gunners, with veteran Petr Cech being Emery's first choice in the Europa League throughout the season.
Usual No. 1 Bernd Leno would be the wiser choice based on form, but journalist James Benge showed evidence to suggest Emery will stick by the 37-year-old against his former club in his final match before retirement:
Cech the first goalkeeper going through his drills. Read into that what you will. pic.twitter.com/5K8tPuzpwk
Cech spoke to the Evening Standard's James Olley prior to the final and suggested a competitive edge is lacking at the Emirates Stadium compared to Chelsea:
Spoken to Petr Cech a lot down the years but this might be his frankest interview yet. “Generally at Arsenal, there is not enough pressure... At Chelsea, the times when we drew, it felt like a funeral in the dressing room.” Exclusive: https://t.co/FZX1KANByx
The Guardian's Dominic Fifield noted that a knee injury has made Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante a fitness concern, though the club's doctors aren't giving up on the France international playing a role.
Chelsea have scored 32 times in this season's Europa League—three more than Arsenal—and Olivier Giroud is the competition's joint-top scorer with 10 goals in 2018-19:
Eintracht Frankfurt's Luka Jovic (10 goals) is the only other player to hit double figures, though it's not certain Giroud will have his chance to add to his haul on Wednesday, per Liam Twomey of ESPN FC:
I asked Sarri if Giroud will start tomorrow. He says he has to consider him but hasn't made a decision yet #cfc
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger were already on the treatment table, and Sarri will be tested in his efforts to keep standards high in their absence.
This could also be Eden Hazard's last game in Chelsea colours, and the Belgium international has been instrumental in some of the Blues' best European moments this term, via BT Sport (UK only):
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez recently told Onda Cero (h/t TalkSport) he has been trying for a number of years to sign Hazard.
Arsenal face another season in the Europa League should they lose on Wednesday, and that motivation could be the edge needed to see them past Chelsea, who finished third in the Premier League.
Chelsea Say Maurizio Sarri Left Training Early Due to Set-Piece 'Frustration'
May 28, 2019
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 28: Maurizio Sarri, Manager of Chelsea kicks his cap in frustration during the Chelsea FC training session on the eve of the UEFA Europa League Final against Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadion on May 28, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Chelsea have said the reason manager Maurizio Sarri stormed out of their training session on Tuesday was due to "frustration" at not being able to practice set pieces.
The Italian was captured on camera leaving the session 15 minutes before it was scheduled to end on the eve of their UEFA Europa League final clash with Arsenal.
As relayed by BT Sport, Gonzalo Higuain and David Luiz appeared to be unhappy with one another, with Sarri leaving the session not long after, clearly exasperated at something:
However, as relayed by Dominic Fifield of the Guardian, the Blues have said Sarri's angst was nothing to do with his players.
"Maurizio's frustration displayed at the end of training was not related to any of his players, but was due to not being able to practise set plays in the final 15 minutes of the hourlong training session as it remained open to media," a club spokesperson said.
Sarri goes into the game in Baku, Azerbaijan, with his future uncertain. As Fifield noted in his report, Italian champions Juventus have been linked with the former Napoli boss, as they continue to search for a replacement for Massimiliano Allegri.
Earlier in the day, Sarri said he has "love" for his players and for the Premier League, although he added "I have to consider the future."
The Italian is not someone who has shied away from showing emotion in the public eye. In February during the Carabao Cup final, Sarri was furious with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who refused to be substituted out of the game:
😳 - Have you EVER seen anything like it!?
Maurizio Sarri tries to substitute Kepa Arrizabalaga for Willy Caballero, but Kepa refuses to come off and Sarri is absolutely FURIOUS! 😡 pic.twitter.com/Q81v6ry3Kk
Despite a loss to City that day and criticism throughout the campaign from some Chelsea supporters regarding the team's style of football, Sarri has had a solid first season at the London club.
Not only has he led the team to two cup finals, the Blues are already sure of a place in the UEFA Champions League next term, as they finished in third place in the Premier League.
Ahead of the match, the 60-year-old talked up the job he has done at Stamford Bridge:
Sarri insists Chelsea have had a "wonderful season" because they qualified for the CL, regardless of the result of this game #cfc
Beating Arsenal in the Europa League final would put some gloss on the 2018-19 season and give Chelsea a boost ahead of a key summer. Not only is there uncertainty over the future of the manager and star man Eden Hazard, who has been linked with Real Madrid, the Blues are banned from registering new players in the transfer window.
If Chelsea are going to win on Wednesday, it looks like they will have to do so without N'Golo Kante. Per Fifield, he was limited to just 30 minutes of light running, meaning the French midfielder is a big doubt for the final.
Petr Cech Says 'Not Enough Pressure' at Arsenal Ahead of Europa League Final
May 28, 2019
Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has said he doesn't feel as though his team gets put under enough pressure to succeed ahead of his final game for the football club.
Cech is expected to start Wednesday's UEFA Europa League showdown with former club Chelsea and has confirmed he will end his distinguished career following the game.
Speaking to James Olley of the Evening Standard ahead of the match, the veteran stopper reflected on his time with both teams and said the Gunners don't have enough expectation on them to win games:
"It will sound strange but I think generally at Arsenal there is not enough pressure. Arsene [Wenger] is a real gentleman. As much as he hates losing, he stays a gentleman. If you lose, you win, you lose, you win, he kind of carries on. That’s something I’ve never experienced before.
"At Chelsea, at the times when we drew, it felt like a funeral in the dressing room. It was so bad. If we drew against a big team at home, it was like, ‘Oh no, it is impossible we didn’t win at home’. It came from everywhere: the players, the coach. Since the start when I was there, the pressure was there every game."
Gunnerblog's James McNicholas said it's rare to see the 37-year-old speak so candidly about his experiences in the game:
During his time with Chelsea, Cech enjoyed tremendous success. He won the UEFA Champions League in 2011-12 and was part of four Premier League-winning outfits, too.
Before he eventually lost his place in the side to Thibaut Courtois in the 2014-15 season, Cech was a crucial player for Chelsea and arguably the best goalkeeper in the world during his heyday. While big things were expected of him when he joined the Gunners in 2015, his form has been inconsistent for the north London club.
This season he has been Arsenal's cup goalkeeper, with Bernd Leno impressing in his debut term. With that in mind, there's been much discussion about whether Cech should start the Europa League final, especially amid reports the Czech will join Chelsea to become their sporting director this summer.
McNicholas doesn't think it would be too much of a problem if Cech started the match:
The goalkeeper was part of a number of high-class Chelsea sides and has worked under serial winners like Jose Mourinho. With that in mind, it's no surprise to hear the standards were lofty during his time at Stamford Bridge.
With their last league title coming in 2004, it's been a long time since Arsenal were the dominant force in English football, and that's likely why there's a difference in mentality at the two clubs. Arsenal supporters will hope success on Wednesday can trigger the process of them getting back to those levels.
Europe League Final 2019: Head-to-Head Record Before Chelsea vs. Arsenal
May 28, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal in action with Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on January 19, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Arsenal will be aiming to win the UEFA Europa League for the first time on Wednesday when they take on Premier League rivals Chelsea in an all-English final at the Baku Olympic Stadium, Azerbaijan.
Gunners boss Unai Emery has an excellent record in the competition and victory will see him lift the trophy for the fourth time in his managerial career.
The Spaniard has already made history with Sevilla in the Europa League. He guided the Spanish club to a historic hat-trick of wins during his time in charge:
3 - After winning the UEFA Europa League in 2013-14, 2014-15 & 2015-16, Unai Emery shares the record for the most UEFA Cup/Europa League titles alongside Giovanni Trapattoni (3). He's the only manager to do this in three successive seasons, however. Success. pic.twitter.com/ajGG1qzYBD
Meanwhile, a win for Chelsea would see the Blues claim success in Europe's secondary competition for the second time in their history. Their first victory came in 2013 under manager Rafael Benitez.
The two teams have already faced each other twice in the Premier League this season. Maurizio Sarri's men won 3-2 at Stamford Bridge in August courtesy of a late winner from Marcos Alonso:
Marcos Alonso nets the winner in a thriller at Stamford Bridge!
Arsenal lose their first two matches of the season for the first time since 1992. pic.twitter.com/VowWPAKzf9
However, Arsenal gained revenge in the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium in January. Goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny handed the hosts all three points:
Although the two clubs are used to facing off in the Premier League the final will represent just the second time they have met in European competition.
They clashed previously in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2014. The teams played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, before Chelsea progressed after a 2-1 win at Highbury.
England international Wayne Bridge was the match-winner for the Blues. The full-back struck the winner with just three minutes of normal time remaining to send Benitez's men into the semi-finals:
On this day in 2004, Wayne Bridge sent Chelsea into the Champions League semi-finals with this strike v Arsenal... https://t.co/NOfD2yyHZM
Indeed Chelsea have the better record when it comes to facing English sides in Europe. Although they were beaten on penalties in the 2008 Champions League by Manchester United, they have suffered only four defeats in 17 matches, according to UEFA.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are yet to beat an English side in either the Champions League or the Europa League. In six attempts they have lost four and drawn two, per UEFA.
Chelsea head into the final unbeaten in their 14 Europa League matches this season, and as the tournament's top scorers:
However, the Blues only squeaked into the final, needing penalties to see off a determined Eintracht Frankfurt in the last four after the game ended 2-2 on aggregate.
Arsenal have been impressive in the later rounds against tricky opposition. Emery's side enjoyed eye-catching wins over Napoli and Valencia and also possess plenty of goals with the prolific pairing of Lacazatte and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front:
The Gunners also have the added incentive of trying to qualify for the Champions League in Baku.
Chelsea have already secured their place in Europe's top competition by finishing in third place in the Premier League, while Arsenal must win if they are to play in Europe's top competition next season.
Chelsea vs. Arsenal: Breaking Down the UEFA Europa League Final
May 28, 2019
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 13: A Billboard for the UEFA Europa League Final 2019 between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC is seen on May 13, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Getty Images)
Kicking off a week of all-English continental finals is Chelsea vs. Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League.
At stake for both is the chance to cap the 2018-19 season by lifting a prestigious trophy, but there's even more on the line for the Gunners, as this represents their only remaining route to Champions League football next term.
Contests between these two sides in the Premier League this term yielded a victory for each. Chelsea triumphed 3-2 in the second week of the campaign when both sides were finding their feet under new managers, and January brought a 2-0 win for Arsenal.
But with Arsenal changing shape and style so frequently this season under Unai Emery, and Maurizio Sarri's project gradually being degraded by key injuries, it's anyone's guess as to how this showpiece will play out in Baku, Azerbaijan.
That's what makes this matchup so incredibly exciting.
Chelsea: Injuries Sour Preparations
Chelsea will be missing two, potentially three, key players and one budding star for the final due to injury.
Antonio Rudiger's knee injury has ended his season early, as have the Achilles tears both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi suffered.
N'Golo Kante's fitness is also in the balance. He was withdrawn after just 10 minutes in the penultimate Premier League match of the campaign against Watford.
Rudiger and Loftus-Cheek's absences open the door for Andreas Christensen and Mateo Kovacic to fill in, while Kante should make it to complete the midfield three—if not, Ross Barkley would get the nod.
There are some genuine 50-50 calls in other areas, namely left-back and right wing. It's Emerson Palmieri, who started both semi-final legs, against Marcos Alonso, who is generally turned to on bigger occasions; and Pedro against Willian, who have vied all season for the right to play opposite star man Eden Hazard.
Arsenal: The XI Picks Itself
Unai Emery's starting XI feels quite easy to pick, and that's equal parts down to it being very settled, and also due to enforced absences.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan won't travel to Baku for the final due to safety concerns, per BBC Sport—his nation, Armenia, is in political conflict with Azerbaijan—while Hector Bellerin is a long-term absentee with a knee injury and Aaron Ramsey misses out with a hamstring problem.
That leaves Emery with little option but to field the team that beat Valencia 4-2 at Mestalla—unless he rolls the dice with Matteo Guendouzi's inexperience in midfield, or with the roller-coaster ride that is Shkodran Mustafi's defending.
That means Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will be unleashed as a strike duo, with Mesut Ozil playing just behind them, feeding them ammunition. It's a combination that should scare any defence in the world.
Previous Encounters
In both previous encounters between these sides this season, Arsenal have played a different formation to the one they're expected to utilise on Wednesday.
Their first meeting was extremely early in the season, when Emery was still getting to grips with his squad and using a fairly basic 4-2-3-1 shape. Five months later, he was right in the thick of his experimentation phase and produced a 4-4-2 diamond formation for their second game.
But while these matches can't specifically hint at how the two managers' shapes will clash, they did outline one clear thing: Expect Chelsea to enjoy the lion's share of possession and for Arsenal to play a more reactive role.
Chelsea dominated possession in both games (62-38 per cent in the first game, 64-36 per cent in the second), and it appeared both sides were fairly happy with that arrangement.
Sarri's Chelsea always want to control proceedings on the ball, while Arsenal are at their most comfortable countering into space.
5 Things To Look Out For
1. Jorginho Marked, Chelsea Stopped?
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: A dejected Jorginho of Chelsea during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 18, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Certain teams this season have opted to man-mark Jorginho very closely, and doing so has essentially removed him from the game and crippled Chelsea's ball progression.
Tottenham Hotspur did it using Dele Alli, Poland did it (to Italy) using Piotr Zielinski (a former Napoli team-mate) and, most importantly, Arsenal did it using Ramsey.
The Wales international won't feature in the final, and the man in his place, Ozil, is hardly your energetic, in-your-face style midfielder.
It will be interesting to see if Emery asks Ozil to try to replicate Ramsey's workhorse job from the January win, or perhaps even field a surprise selection (Guendouzi?) to carry it out.
Undoubtedly, it's a tactic that does work, so it's worth full consideration.
2. Balls In From The Right
VALENCIA, SPAIN - MAY 09: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final Second Leg match between Valencia and Arsenal at Estadio Mestalla on May 09, 2019 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty
Both previous encounters between these two sides have yielded Arsenal goals from good right-sided work, followed by a low ball into the box.
Admittedly, that was when Bellerin was fit, but Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been a good stand-in at wing-back and even created the same sort of goal against Valencia for Aubameyang at Mestalla.
There's a combination of factors that have made this such a clear route to success: Emery's focus on wide overloads, Aubameyang's superb movement in the box, Alonso's defensive laxness and Jorginho's frequent failure to track midfield runners all the way into the box.
Don't be surprised if Arsenal score from this situation three times running.
3. Aubameyang On The Shoulder
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Arsenal FC at Turf Moor on May 12, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lan
Aubameyang's speed and direct running make life difficult for every defence, but given Chelsea will be without Rudiger—their quickest and best one-on-one defender—the Blues will find it even more difficult than usual to keep a lid on the Gabonese hitman.
If Arsenal settle into a deeper block and send direct balls for Aubameyang to chase, his speed becomes a problem, and in turn Lacazette's movements inside of him do, too (see the first goal scored against Valencia for a prime example of this).
Expect Aubameyang to test both centre-backs for vulnerabilities and move across the line in search of gaps to penetrate. Unless Chelsea's pressing work is perfect, they won't be able to completely stop the supply into his path.
4. Emery and Sarri, Polar Opposites
Chelsea's Italian head coach Maurizio Sarri (L) shakes hands with Arsenal's Spanish head coach Unai Emery before the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Cheslea at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 19, 2019. (Photo by Ian KIN
Emery has an incredible three Europa League titles to his name, all while managing Sevilla, pointing to serious success in this competition in the past. His domestic and league work may not be so boastful, but he is the master on this stage.
Key to these achievements has been his ability to adapt and tinker in-game. Throughout this season he's played with his formation, often changing shape two or three times per game, as he constantly ferrets for different ways to overcome his opposition.
The final could well be no different. We expect a 3-4-1-2 to be fielded from the start, but the tweaks can flow from around the 15-minute mark.
This is in stark contrast to Sarri, a man who plays the same system and makes the same substitutions at the same time. If Chelsea score the first goal, this tends to be fine; if they fall behind and lose their rhythm, there tends to be no way back.
5. Hazard The Game-Breaker
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Eden Hazard of Chelsea acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea FC at The King Power Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Whether or not Arsenal make attempts to neutralise Jorginho, Chelsea's ability to move the ball through the thirds will be impacted heavily by the loss of Loftus-Cheek. His drive and progressive runs are irreplaceable; the Blues will move more slowly and more predictably as a result.
It places even more of an onus on Hazard to be the game-breaker, the man to conjure the sort of moment that wins a trophy. The Europa League final could be his last game for the club—the Evening Standard reported Real Madrid are edging closer to his valuation—and he'll want to give the fans a memory to cherish.
Hazard is a big-game player and relishes these sorts of stages. His ability to embark on weaving runs that leave half the opposing team trailing is something no one else set to play in Baku can match.
In the absence of any fluency, you can't rule out Hazard simply stepping forward and deciding to do it all himself.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal
You can watch the match on TNT and B/R Live. Coverage starts at 2 p.m. ET with kick-off at 3 p.m. ET. BT Sport will broadcast the match in the UK.
