Hazard brace clinches Europa League for Chelsea

Two goals from Eden Hazard helped Chelsea beat their London rivals Arsenal 4-1 in the final of the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League. The final was played on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan. The first half saw the Gunners shading possession though not able to convert the many chances that came their way, the closest coming just off the bar after Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was beaten. The two sides went to the break without any goals. The Blues, who had won one Europa League trophy, in 2012/13, came from the break a more determined side, probably to add to their trophy cabinet. Manager Maurizio Sarri was chasing a first European silverware going head-to-head into the final against Unai Emery, who had won three trophies with Sevilla. World Cup winner Olivier Giroud scored just four minutes into the second half. The lead was doubled by Pedro in the 60th minute. Giroud was brought down in the penalty area five minutes later and man-of-the-match Hazard converted for the Blues in what is likely to be his last game for the London side. Though substitute Alex Iwobi pulled one goal back for the Gunners, Giroud and Hazard combined perfectly to see the Belgian get his second goal on the night. Chelsea’s win is their only trophy for the 2018/19 season. They will play in the UEFA Champions League next season after placing third in the 2018/19 English Premier League. By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|editors.3news.com|Ghana Follow @kwame_amoh