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Ozil, Koscielny and Maitland-Niles endure horror show in Europa League drubbing at the hands of Chelsea

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ARSENAL were thumped in the Europa League final after a second-half blitz from Chelsea.

But who, if anyone, put in a decent shift - and who let the side down?

 Mesut Ozil endured yet another night to forget in an Arsenal shirt
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Mesut Ozil endured yet another night to forget in an Arsenal shirtCredit: Reuters
 Laurent Koscielny's best years are clearly behind him
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Laurent Koscielny's best years are clearly behind himCredit: PA:Press Association

PETR CECH

The majority of Arsenal fans felt he shouldn’t have been playing but in the final game of his fine career he put up far more resistance than most of his team-mates.

Two fine early saves from Emerson and Giroud but had little chance with any of Chelsea’s goals.

SOKRATIS

Defended as though his life depended on it and the only Arsenal player who appeared to be hurt by this big match humiliation.

If only all of Arsenal’s players shared his warrior spirit. Unfortunately, not many of them do.

LAURENT KOSCIELNY

The Arsenal skipper never looked comfortable when Chelsea started playing quick passes around the Arsenal area and his reactions were a fraction of a second too late when Giroud beat him to Emerson’s cross to head Chelsea ahead.

His best days are clearly behind him.

NACHO MONREAL

Fortunate to get away with a blatant body check on Hazard right on the edge of the Arsenal area.

The Spaniard does a job in central defence but Arsenal need better than him if they are going to progress.

AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES

A night to forget for the young Englishman whose defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed.

Nowhere to be seen for Chelsea’s second goal,charged into a stupid challenge on Giroud to hand Chelsea their third goal from the spot and lost possession in the build-up to their fourth.

LUCAS TORREIRA

Started off like a house on fire as he hared around the pitch but appears to have hit the wall after a long first season in England and rapidly faded when Chelsea stepped up through the gears.

No surprise when he was subbed.

GRANIT XHAKA

Came close to breaking the deadlock with a searing first-half shot which grazed the bar.

But he telegraphed too many of his passes and was reactive rather than proactive as Arsenal were gradually overrun in midfield.

SEAD KOLASINAC

Because most of Chelsea’s attacks were launched down the other flank, he was mercifully spared most of the flak which was raining down on his team-mates.

But if he can’t be trusted to play as an orthodox left-back, what is the point in having him in the team?

MESUT OZIL

The same old story from a player who promises so much yet delivers so little.

Flitted in and out of the game when Arsenal were crying out for inspiration and then went into hiding as soon as Chelsea went ahead.

The only surprise was that it was a full 75 minutes before he was subbed.

ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE

Worked his socks off trying to find some space but went down far too easily when challenged by Kepa in the opening minutes.

If he had stayed on his feet he probably would have scored and maybe the final outcome would have been different.

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG

Missed a decent early opportunity when Kepa pushed a cross straight to him and was unable to create any real threat after that.

Arsenal’s £60million record signing won’t be happy at the prospect of another year in the Europa League.

Subs: Iwobi for Torreira, Guendouzi for Monreal, Willock for Ozil

Unused: Leno, Iliev, Elneny, Lichtsteiner, Iwobi, Mustafi, Welbeck, Jenkinson, Guendouzi, Nketiah, Willock, Sako

Arsenal and Chelsea fans gather in Baku ahead of Europa League final
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