Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze delivered a sensational performance on Sunday. His remarkable hat-trick propelled the Premier League leaders to a dominant 4-1 victory. They thrashed Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium.

Eze’s Impactful Performance

Eze had notably rejected Spurs’ approach to join Arsenal last summer. Now, he produced his best display since his substantial £60m move from Crystal Palace. This stellar showing extended the Gunners’ impressive unbeaten run to 15 games across all competitions.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the first half. Eze then added to the tally. The England international found the net twice more after the break, completing a memorable treble. This achievement marked only the fourth hat-trick in derby history, following legends like Ted Drake, Terry Dyson, and Alan Sunderland.

Arsenal’s Derby Dominance

Spurs arrived with the league’s best away record. However, they were clearly second best throughout the encounter. Mikel Arteta’s side outclassed Thomas Frank’s men. Their superior passing, movement, and intensity proved too much for the visitors.

The Gunners sealed their biggest derby win since 2012. This victory capitalized on Manchester City’s earlier defeat at Newcastle. It created a significant six-point cushion at the top of the table. This result further strengthens their bid for a first league title since 2004.

Arsenal has now lost only once in their last 33 home meetings with Spurs. Their unbeaten run in the last seven derbies continues.

Key Moments in the Match

Tottenham initially sought to slow the game down. They employed time-wasting tactics at throw-ins and goal-kicks. However, Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute.

With Viktor Gyökeres injured, Spain international Mikel Merino once again played as a makeshift striker. He dropped deep, floating a superb pass over the Spurs defence. Trossard received it, twisted past Kevin Danso, and fired home via a deflection, opening the scoring.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank had jokingly asked, “Who’s Eze?” earlier in the week. He was questioned about his club’s failure to sign the midfielder last summer. Eze soon provided a resounding answer.

In the 41st minute, after collecting a pass from Declan Rice, Eze weaved through the defence. He then drilled a low finish past Guglielmo Vicario, doubling Arsenal’s advantage before halftime.

Frank responded by introducing Xavi Simons at half-time. Yet, the change did nothing to halt Arsenal’s momentum.

Just 35 seconds into the second half, Eze pounced again. He finished from close range after more slack defending from the visiting side, extending Arsenal’s lead to 3-0.

Tottenham finally registered their first shot of the game in the 55th minute. It was a moment of brilliance. Brazil forward Richarlison spotted David Raya off his line. He then lobbed him superbly from 35 yards, momentarily dampening the electric atmosphere at the Emirates.

Eze completed his unforgettable hat-trick in the 76th minute. Linking up with Trossard once more, he smashed in a fierce strike from 12 yards. This sealed a commanding and emphatic victory for the Gunners.

Looking Ahead for Arsenal and Spurs

This crucial win perfectly sets up Arsenal for a decisive stretch of their season. Bayern Munich visits the Emirates for a Champions League clash on Wednesday. This is followed by a challenging trip to second-placed Chelsea next weekend.

With Manchester City faltering and Liverpool currently in disarray, Mikel Arteta’s men appear well-positioned to mount a serious title challenge.

Tottenham, meanwhile, faces increasing scrutiny over Frank’s defensive approach. It seemed ill-suited for the intense demands of derby football, raising questions for their season ahead.