Chelsea 4-1 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#3 Eden Hazard dazzles on his potential Chelsea swansong

Hazard was superb for Chelsea

Ever since the calendar flipped to 2019, the back pages across Europe have been splattered with transfer rumours linking Eden Hazard to Real Madrid. Though Chelsea has relatively remained unfazed so far, an enormous war chest for Los Blancos coupled with the time (or the lack of it) remaining on the Belgian’s contract pointed towards an imminent switch.

Unsurprisingly, the expectations surrounding his performance in the Europa League final hit fever pitch. After all, the game potentially represented the last time he would don a Chelsea jersey. And Hazard did rather well to live up to the billing.

From the outset, the winger looked the Blues’ most potent attacking outlet. The Belgian drifted in-field and caused Arsenal problems by popping up in between the lines. However, despite all the sparkle in the first half, he never threatened the Gunners’ goal.

But, in the second period, Hazard raised his game a notch and ran the show. He dragged defenders into uncomfortable areas and drew them towards the ball. The above tactic allowed the likes of Pedro and Giroud to run into the space created and they eventually made the net bulge. Thus, he highlighted what Chelsea might miss next season onwards.

In all likelihood, the Belgian might be plying his trade in Spain next season. But, with a dazzling display in a European final, Hazard has surely etched his name into Chelsea folklore.