Chelsea stars in embarrassing BLUNDER with Europa League trophy

Posted Thursday, May 30, 2019 by Express.co.uk

CHELSEA appeared to lift the Europa League trophy in the wrong place after beating Arsenal in Baku.

The Blues beat Arsenal 4-1 in the Azerbaijan capital with Eden Hazard scoring twice.

It turned Chelsea’s season into a successful one after a third-placed Premier League finish.

But the trophy-lift wasn’t a success with Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill raising the trophy above their heads away from their team-mates.

The pair collected the trophy from Uefa representatives while the rest of the squad lined up behind a presentation board.

And as the defensive duo raised the trophy where they stood, their team-mates were left trophyless.

The pair soon realised though and sprinted over to their pals with trophy in hand.

Boss Maurizio Sarri then made his way to the front as he lifted his first trophy as boss.

But it may be the Italian’s final act as Chelsea boss with plenty of speculation still surrounding his future.

Chelsea stars in embarrassing BLUNDER with Europa League trophy (Image: BT SPORT)

And former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend wouldn’t be surprised if Sarri is off.

He said: “This season has to be a success for Maurizio Sarri.

“It's had peaks and troughs. It started well, it then lost its way and there was a lot of confusion around him and the direction he appeared to be taking the team.

“But they gathered themselves and he weathered that storm.

“He hasn't felt the love. Most Chelsea managers, when they go in there, they got that.

“He got it to start with but he hasn't felt that he's admired by the Chelsea fans.

“Now I'd like to think that those who have doubted him will pay credit to his resilience because it's not been easy.

“It'll be interesting to hear where he goes from here.

“Is he going to make some statement and say 'listen guys, there's your trophy. You wanted someone else, you can have your wish - I'm off!'

“He might well do that, who knows. Third place, League Cup runners-up and the Europa League in your back pocket - there have been worse Chelsea seasons, I can tell you.”