Iwobi's sweet volley not enough to save Arsenal from humiliating Europa League drubbing

SUPER Eagles playmaker Alex Iwobi managed to get on the scoresheet last night in the final of the Europa League but his lone goal was not enough to save his club from a humiliating 4-1 defeat in the hands of London rivals Chelsea.

At the final which took place in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, Arsenal had been tipped as favourites to win the all-English clash but on the night were taken apart by Chelsea. After a goalless first half, goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Eden Hazard in the 49th, 60th and 65th minutes gave Chelsea a 3-0 lead before Iwobi pulled one back in the 69th minute.

Hazard then went on to make it four with a 72nd minute penalty, completing what turned out to be a rout. Although it was the Gunners that started on the front foot, creating most of the chances in the first half, the Blues showed great tenacity in the second 45 minutes as they tore Unai Emery’s men apart.

Coming on for Lucas Torreira in the 67th minute, Iwobi with his goal became the first substitute to score in a Europa League final since Jônatas for Espanyol in 2007. After just two minutes on the pitch, he latched on to a free kick and smashed into the top left corner with a sweetly struck half-volley from outside the box.

However, Arsenal faded horribly as Hazard scored one more goal to give Chelsea a 4-1 win and ended the Gunners' dreams of returning for Champions League football next season. With his season now over, Iwobi will join the Nigerian national team as it prepares for the African Cup of Nations next month.