Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze delivered a sensational hat-trick as the Premier League leaders thrashed Tottenham 4–1 in a dominant north London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The victory strengthened Arsenal’s title credentials and moved them six points clear at the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta’s side controlled the game from the opening whistle, with Leandro Trossard and Eze scoring in the first half to put the Gunners firmly in command. Tottenham, who arrived boasting the league’s best away record, struggled to cope with Arsenal’s fluid attacking movement.
Eze, who turned down Tottenham’s interest before joining Arsenal from Crystal Palace in the summer, added a second goal just after the interval, punishing Spurs’ disorganised backline with a sharp finish. His performance was a fitting response to Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, who had jokingly questioned the midfielder’s significance earlier in the week.
Tottenham briefly threatened a comeback when Richarlison produced a stunning 35-yard lob to beat David Raya in the 55th minute. But the goal proved little more than consolation as Eze completed his treble in the 76th minute, smashing home from 12 yards after being set up by Trossard.
The hat-trick was only the fourth ever scored in a north London derby, placing Eze alongside Ted Drake, Terry Dyson and Alan Sunderland in the rivalry’s history books. It also marked his best performance since joining Arsenal in a £60 million transfer.
Arsenal’s victory came at a crucial moment, especially after their 10-match winning streak ended in a 2–2 draw with Sunderland before the international break. The Gunners have now extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games, capitalising on Manchester City’s defeat to Newcastle to widen their lead.
Sunday’s win also continued Arsenal’s strong home record against their rivals, having lost just once to Tottenham at the Emirates in 33 meetings. It was their biggest derby victory since 2012 and set the tone for a demanding week that includes a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich and a league trip to second-placed Chelsea.
Tottenham, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a poor defensive display and the collapse of their five-game unbeaten away run. Frank’s conservative tactics came under renewed scrutiny as his five-man defence struggled throughout, offering little resistance to Arsenal’s relentless attacks.
