Eden Hazard: Chelsea’s Belgian maestro shines in what is expected to be his last appearance for club in Europa League final
Some players buckle under the pressure in the big games – not Eden Hazard.
The Belgian stole the show in the Europa League final with a superb second-half double for Chelsea against Arsenal, in what is likely to be his final game for the Blues before his expected move to Real Madrid this summer.
Olivier Giroud and Pedro were also on target after the break, with Alex Iwobi’s brilliant strike proving no more than a consolation for the Gunners.
Here, talkSPORT.com examines Hazard’s man of the match performance in Chelsea’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Unai Emery’s men in Baku.
Movement
Hazard’s constant search for work took him right across the attacking spectrum, and even at times into his own half as he sought to jolt Chelsea into life.
And that elusive roaming role not only created space for his team-mates, but also forced Arsenal into defensive lapses, of which he took full advantage.
Creativity
Hazard’s slow start mirrored that of Chelsea, but the arch creator quickly found his feet on a stodgy playing surface.
Hazard’s crisp pass into Jorginho allowed the Italy midfielder to stub a neat lay-off to Olivier Giroud for Chelsea’s first chance of the match.
The France striker’s scuffed effort afforded Petr Cech just enough time to tip the ball to safety though, in a missed chance the Blues were immediately to lament.
His fine pass for Pedro laid on the goal that perhaps turned the tie totally in Chelsea’s favour too.
End Product
Two goals and an assist is a fine return for a final by any standards, and certainly merited winning this trophy for Chelsea.
The 28-year-old almost rolled home his penalty, so confident was his strike from the spot-kick.
And then he calmly tucked home after Giroud’s cross, to put the perfect finish on what has proved a sumptuous Chelsea career.