PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG stole the show as Arsenal ended the season with a piece of FA Cup silverware.
The Gabon striker scored twice, including a sensational second, as the Gunners came from behind following Christian Pulisic’s early opener.
Pulisic fired Chelsea ahead before being forced to come off injuredCredit: Getty – Pool
But he may have had Chelsea’s defence to thank with Frank Lampard’s men struggling to deal with his blistering pace.
It was a defensive performance that summed up the Blues’ season with much work for Lampard to do in the summer.
Here’s how SunSport’s Richard Forrester rated the Chelsea players.
Willy Caballero – 5/10
Couple of nervy moments in the first half including a dodgy kick that put his side under pressure.
Had no chance with either of Aubameyang’s strikes but had little else to do between the sticks.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 2
The Spaniard left the field in tears following his injury after 30 minutes but he was having a howler up until that point.
Conceded the penalty in which Aubameyang dispatched and struggled to deal with the pace of the striker and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Chelsea’s high line did him no favours at all.
Azpilicueta had a evening to forget for ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Kurt Zouma – 5
Completely bamboozled by the terrific skill of Aubameyang as the Arsenal captain scored the winner.
Like all of Chelsea’s defenders, he struggled, but was the best of a bad bunch.
Had a constant battle with Alexandre Lacazatte but managed to keep the fellow Frenchman quiet for large periods.
Antonio Rudiger – 3
Looked a liability throughout the game and was nutmegged by Hector Bellerin in the build-up to Arsenal’s second goal.
Lost his cool in the second half when he received a yellow card before being hooked off with 13 minutes to play.
Rudiger was nutmegged in the build-up to Arsenal’s secondCredit: Reuters
Reece James – 3
Had a tough task marking Aubameyang out on the right which denied him the opportunity to get forward.
Managed to find more space as the game went on but was wasteful with a couple of attempts on goal.
Was nowhere to be seen for either goal, failing to provide the back three with any cover.
Marcos Alonso – 5
Found it difficult to keep Nicolas Pepe quiet on the left with the winger troubling him with his pace.
Alonso, who can be such an attacking threat, struggled to get the better of Spaniard Hector Bellerin who won the battle of the Spaniards.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
Was so unlucky to be sent off for a second yellow due to a shocking decision by the referee – although the first was a blatant yellow.
Chelsea certainly appear more solid in midfield with the Croatian in the side.
Broke up counter-attacks and kept hold of the ball as Chelsea started to dominate possession in the second half.
His good work often goes unnoticed and it was a similar scenario this evening.
Kovacic was left stunned when he was sent offCredit: EPA
Jorginho – 6
The Italian did little wrong in a disciplined performance although struggled to match Arsenal for pace when they countered.
Was given the nod ahead of N’Golo Kante which certainly raised eyebrows before the game.
Kept possession well but had little impact going forward.
Mason Mount – 7
Chelsea’s most lively player after Pulisic went off injured and played a key role in Chelsea’s opener.
Troubled Arsenal’s defence in the second half with the timings of his runs and played a number of dangerous crosses.
Was surprisingly taken off by Lampard with 13 minutes to play as they went in search of an equaliser.
Christian Pulisic – 8
Another hugely positive performance which ended on a sour note.
Took his opener brilliantly and appears to thrive playing alongside Olivier Giroud when the Frenchman able to create space.
Pulled his hamstring in the opening stages of the second half after a scintillating run through Arsenal’s defence.
Chelsea lost their attacking threat when Pulisic came off injuredCredit: AP:Associated Press
Olivier Giroud – 6
Produced a brilliant flick to assist Pulisic in the opening stages of the game.
Had the quality to hold up the ball and link with his team-mates when needed but struggled to get a clear opportunity on goal.
A lack of service did not help.
David Luiz came out on top in a bruising battle between the two.
SUBS
Andreas Christensen (on 30) – 6
Made a couple of crucial blocks to deny Arsenal, in particular against Aubameyang in the second half.
Pedro (on 48) – 6
Another sad ending in his final Chelsea game after being carried off on a stretcher.
The Spaniard damaged his shoulder at the end of the game after doing his utmost to get Chelsea back into the game.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (on 77) – 5
Barely had the chance to impress and struggled to make any impact.
Barkley (on 77) – 5
Attempted to get forward to push for an equaliser but to little avail.
Abraham (on 77) – 5
Hardly touched the ball after coming on.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
