Baku, May 2019. A London derby in a Europa League final, and as it turned out, a chastening one for Arsenal. Beaten 4–1 as Eden Hazard shined, Unai Emery's team returned to England with tails between legs, falling victim, again, to the brilliant Belgian. It was his final appearance for Chelsea, one of his finest ever and perhaps his last great career performance. He always saved his best for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka featured in the losing squad that night. At 17 and in his first season with the senior team, he was an unused substitute, watching on as another dreadful show on the road unfolded in front of him, powerless to change it. Now 23, Saka is wearing the captain's armband, is among the league's best and is the only current member of the squad to represent Arsenal in Azerbaijan.
