Arsenal

Savage: Cech was magnificent

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Arsenal were humiliated in the Europa League final in Baku on Wednesday night as Chelsea battered them 4-1. 

The goals all came in the second-half after the first 45 minutes ended all square at 0-0.

In the second-half, Eden Hazard showed Chelsea fans what they’re going to miss if he goes, scoring twice and setting another up.

There weren’t many heroes on the Arsenal side, but BT Sport pundit Robbie Savage gushed over Petr Cech in the Gunners goal.

Talking on the BT commentary of the game (BT Sport, Wednesday, 8pm), Savage paid tribute to the Arsenal veteran, ironically now set to move to Chelsea as a coach.

After a string of fine saves Savage said of Cech, “Magnificent performance from the goalkeeper, no chance with any of the goals, some world class saves. Agile, strong arms.”

OPINION

This was a disasterclass from Arsenal. They completely capitulated in the second-half and had no answer as Chelsea blew them away and shattered their hopes of Champions League football next season. Cech did what he could and helped make the scoreline more respectable but you have to feel for the Arsenal fans that travelled all the way to Baku to watch this. They were the best side for the first 30 minutes but couldn’t convert their dominance, although they probably should have had a penalty in the first-half. When Chelsea moved up a gear, though, they had no answer and when your goalie is your best player you know you’re in trouble. It’s Europa football again next year for Arsenal and after this performance, that’s probably a blessing. As for Unai Emery, he’ll be given this summer to improve his squad but he will have to deliver a marked improvement in performance next season or big questions will be asked over his rule. He finished seven points better off this season in the league – he’ll need to do at least the same again next season. 

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