The Man in The Shed

29^th May – 2,500 miles

Whilst nobody can doubt the rationale for the “Say No to Anti-Semitism” campaign or the $4 million raised for good causes from the post season friendly in the US, the outcome was another crocked Englishman. Poor Ruben (finally injury free and playing his best football in a blue shirt) would not only miss the Europa final but several months of next season too.

Most of the pre-match journalism was quite rightly focussed on just how far away the game was and how few tickets were offered to the real fans. Spending £700 getting to Moscow in 2008 now seemed quite cheap and relatively quick; UEFA were now expecting us to find £1000 to travel 2,500 miles each way. In light of the fact that neither team could sell their 6,000 allocation it also begs the question “should the clubs have subsidised the trip” ?

It was blatantly clear on TV that the game had not sold out and The Times reported that turnstiles were opened for free entry during the first half in a final desperate attempt to get “bums on seats”.

The other distraction for Arsenal fans was the gossip suggesting Petr Cech would return to Chelsea next season in an off-field role. Cue the cascade of “conflict in interests, drop him” across social media. I cannot imagine a man less likely to drop him standards than Petr.

Team news was positive. Despite injuring himself at the end of the season, getting back to fitness and then getting injured during training, Kanté was starting (although with an injection).

The first half was typically cautious. Arsenal were pressing right up the pitch and it was unsettling us. Kepa appeared to bring down Lacazette – the ref (and VAR) said no. Emerson was playing well and fired off a couple of shots. Giroud also had a shot looking to sneak into the bottom corner – but well saved by Cech.

Trying to analyse the first half myself (I’d muted the TV analysts) it was clear that although we’d had the best chances, Arsenal looked more threatening overall and Petr Cech had made a couple of decent saves. Could we improve in the second half ?

I’d barely settled down again and out of nothing we scored ! Emerson (at this point our best player) puts in another cross and Giroud (Mr Europa) glances a perfect header into the corner. Even Cech couldn’t stop that one.

Hazard, fairly quiet in the first half, then teed up Pedro for a shot into the corner. We were on fire !

The team could now relax and play. Kovacic went on a mazy run, passed to Pedro who moved inside, passed to Giroud who was pushed to the ground. Penalty. Hazard scores. Three nil in the space of 16 minutes.

Of course no Chelsea game of late comes without an absolute screamer from the opponents and this was no different as another 20 yarder flew past Kepa. Surely there was no way back for Arsenal ?

Oh no, not this time – three minutes later another fine move started by Hazard who passed to Giroud. The return pass was perfect for a sublime half volley – 4-1. Two goals and an assist for Hazard. What a send-off in his final match in blue.

Arsenal refused to lie down. Kepa saved well from Lacazette and then they should have scored soon after but their young substitute shot wide.

Then a heart in mouth moment as Hazard was fouled and stayed down – was that £100 million deal off now ?

Finally the full time whistle goes and we’ve won another trophy.

So despite all of the usual trauma that follows Chelsea football club we’d still won a trophy. Sarri had finally won a trophy too.

What did we learn from the game ? Well – Dave had played 57 games, the most by a player in any of the top 5 leagues. Emerson was a much better choice than Alonso at left back. Cech was probably Arsenal’s best player. Hazard’s last game was memorable for his contribution. And we’d gone through the whole competition (15 games) without defeat.

And Rob Green did the full “John Terry”.