Eden Hazard gives Chelsea a final reminder of his irreplaceable talent

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – A third place finish and a European trophy – not bad for a team reportedly past the peak of their powers, but there was one juggernaut of a reason why Chelsea could prolong Arsenal’s agonisingly poor record in European finals, and one set to leave an irreparable void at Stamford Bridge next season.

Should Real Madrid stump up the cash and, even though their shopping list is as long as many a mother’s the week before Christmas, they always seem to be able to do so, then Eden Hazard is likely to be on his way this summer, after seven years at Chelsea.

Two Premier League titles, plentiful domestic cups and two European trophies later, at 28, he has expressed a desire to seek pastures new, something few can begrudge him for wanting.

Putting Arsenal to the sword

The Europa League final therefore represented that opportunity to give a club he evidently feels a great deal of affection for one final night of glory, but nobody could have foreseen just quite how the relentless Belgium would put Arsenal to the sword.

The atmosphere in the part-full stadium was tepid to say the least, with Chelsea fans voicing their concerns, not overly politely, questioning if this is what Uefa want.

The wider “football family” as Uefa do like to insert into their propaganda, do deserve their opportunity to see their team play, be they from the gulf, Russia or further east, but this spectacle had the feel of pulling up a pew for an evening of watching that newly painted wall dry.

Hazard, though, had other ideas. With Arsenal on top, and the much-maligned Granit Xhaka effervescent in midfield, N’Golo Kante limping in his wake, it was of course down to Hazard to turn it on.

It started with a beautiful flick into Emerson in the first half to create the game’s first shot on target.

Create chances is all in a day’s work for Hazard. Since he joined Chelsea in August 2012, only two players have registered more assists in the Premier League, but it is not the sublime Belgian’s fault he does not sit top of such a list – he has created 29 more chances than any other Premier League player in the same period.

Head and shoulders above the rest

Manager Maurizio Sarri was candid in his pre-match press conference in Baku, especially admitting that Hazard finds training “too easy”. It was not a slight on his star man, though, Sarri was just pointing out what has been ostensibly obvious all season – Hazard really is head and shoulders above anyone else in blue.

As the second half began Hazard remained his jovial self as he walked out onto the pitch laughing and joking with Gonzalo Higuain, making a darting motion with his arm, presumably reminding Higuain his immobility does not go unnoticed.

To keep Chelsea in the ascendancy, Hazard took the direct approach, driving at the heart of the Arsenal rearguard, putting the Gunners very much on the back foot.

Clearly rattled, Arsenal backed off, and former Gunners glamourpuss Olivier Giroud pounced to put Chelsea in front.

Hazard clearly did not want to stay out of the goals for too long. After all, this season represents Hazard’s best return in a single Premier League season for goal contributions.

The reverse pass for Pedro’s second was pinpoint in the extreme, before he stepped up, with the world watching (from home), with ludicrous calmness to slot home Chelsea’s third.

Not done there, there was time for a brilliantly controlled second from Hazard, to cap a famous night for Chelsea. Oh how they will miss him, but there will be no grudges, no animosity.

Hazard has given his all for Chelsea. Now, somehow, they will likely have to cope without him.