It will be extra galling for Arsenal that Chelsea won the Europa League with a manager that they don't seemingly want, and Eden Hazard away on his toes.
But win it they did, and in style after a second-half performance of one part top attacking to one part Arsenal defending - prevailing 4-1 at the end of the night.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring for Chelsea early in the second half, in a turn of events that was grimly predictable, were Arsenal to have a bad night.
His muted celebration was not to live long in the memory, as he was brought down clumsily in the box for Chelsea to tee up a second through Hazard.
Hazard finished with two goals, to seal a second European trophy since joining Chelsea in 2012, before confirming to BT Sport after the match that this is likely his last match for Chelsea.
"I think it is goodbye," said Hazard, when pressed as to his footballing future. But not before a brace that put Arsenal to the sword, the first coming from the penalty spot after Olivier Giroud was brought down in the area.
The second was again Giroud linking up with Hazard, sweeping it across the box for Hazard to half-volley home past a stranded Petr Cech.
Cech himself was one of Arsenal's better performers on the night, saving down low to his left in the first half to keep Arsenal level at half time.
Not quite as effective was Mesut Ozil, who was taken off with ten minutes to go, replaced by Joe Willock. More cynical minds might believe that this was a symbolic act by Emery; a final departure after a lack of cutting edge, once again.
But this was a night for those that decide to turn up on big occasions, and that would certainly apply to Eden Hazard.
"I don’t know yet, we will decide in a few days. I’ve made my decision already. It’s depending on both clubs. We will know in a couple of days. I think it is a goodbye, but in football you never know. Maybe it is time for a new challenge," said Hazard after the match.
I don’t know yet, we will decide in a few days. I’ve made my decision already. It’s depending on both clubs. We will know in a couple of days. I think it is a goodbye, but in football you never know. Maybe it is time for a new challenge.
More expansive was Olivier Giroud, who expanded on the success and his Arsenal history.
“I think it was a good final. We were better and more efficient in the second half. I am very proud because this team deserved to win something.
"We lost the League Cup against City, but this one is special, the second-best European championship.
"Obviously I left so many friends at Arsenal, the club changed my life and gave me the opportunity to live my dream of playing in the Premier League.
"I owe them a lot, so I will never forget and that’s why I didn’t want to celebrate. But on another side, I am so proud to win this trophy with Chelsea, I’m now a true blue. I feel blessed."
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