Arsenal boss Unai Emery makes Chelsea confession after Europa League final loss
ARSENAL boss Unai Emery not only saw his team lose 4-1 against Chelsea in the Europa League final last night but he also conceded their rivals are now the “better” of the two teams.
Arsenal: Chelsea are now better than us admits Emery
Arsenal manager Unai Emery admitted Chelsea “are now better than us”, after watching his side lose the Europa League final in Baku.
The Spaniard, speaking in his post-match press conference, felt his players didn’t take their opportunities in front of goal and failed to control their emotions after conceding early in the second half.
“We tried and worked hard and we played against Chelsea in the final,” Emery said.
The first half ended goalless but former Gunner Olivier Giroud opened Chelsea’s account with a diving header in the 49th minute.
Eleven minutes later Pedro got a second for Chelsea and Eden Hazard made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles fouled Giroud in the box.
“We wanted to take our moment for the possibility to have the efficiency to score, but they scored the first goal,” Emery added.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery insists Chelsea are 'now the better team' (Image: PA/GETTY)
Olivier Giroud opened Chelsea’s account with a diving header in the 49th minute (Image: GETTY)
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Alex Iwobi scored with a stunning first-time strike from the edge of the box (Image: GETTY)
“The first goal was very important in this match because after we needed to play with calmness, but we made mistakes and they have very good players with the efficiency to score.
“We had the possibility to be in the match but they scored the second goal and after it was more difficult.”
Arsenal mustered 16 shots at goal over the 90 minutes but only managed to get two on target, while Chelsea on the other hand had 14 shots and had eight on target.
Alex Iwobi gave Arsenal some hope after scoring with a stunning first-time strike from the edge of the box moments after coming off the bench.
However, Hazard and Giroud ended any hope the Gunners had of a revival after the pair executed a well crafted one-two which the Belgian slotted home into the bottom right corner.
Emery pleaded with Arsenal fans to understand he is still in the process of rebuilding the squad, however, it is unclear how they will react to spending a third straight year without Champions League football.