The Emirates Stadium was electric for the North London Derby as Arsenal hosted Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial Premier League encounter. Following the frustrating draw at Sunderland, Mikel Arteta's side needed a statement performance to reassert their title credentials and extend their lead at the top of the table. With Tottenham sitting in ninth place but always dangerous in derby matches, Arsenal knew they had to be at their very best to secure all three points in front of a capacity crowd.
Mikel Arteta: "The North London Derby is always special, and our fans create an incredible atmosphere. We must channel that energy into our performance and show why we're at the top of the table. Tottenham are a quality side regardless of their league position, and derbies have their own rules. We need to be brave, play our football, and take our chances when they come."
Arsenal started brightly, controlling possession and creating opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Leandro Trossard opened the scoring, assisted by Mikel Merino. The Belgian's goal settled any early nerves and gave the Gunners the platform to build on their dominance.
Just five minutes later, in the 41st minute, Eberechi Eze announced himself on the derby stage with his first goal of the afternoon. The midfielder's strike doubled Arsenal's lead and sent the Emirates into raptures heading toward halftime. The timing of the goal was crucial, giving Tottenham little time to respond before the break.
Arsenal emerged from the tunnel with intent, and Eze needed just one minute to extend the lead. In the 46th minute, he netted his second goal of the match, completing a devastating start to the second half and putting the game firmly beyond Tottenham's reach at 3-0.
Tottenham briefly threatened a comeback when Richarlison scored a spectacular goal from 40 yards out in the 56th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1. The Brazilian's long-range strike was a moment of individual brilliance, but it would prove to be merely a consolation.
Arsenal's response was emphatic. In the 76th minute, Eberechi Eze completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish, restoring the three-goal cushion and sealing a memorable 4-1 victory. The hat-trick was Eze's first in Arsenal colors and came on the perfect stageāa North London Derby at the Emirates.
The result moved Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Chelsea, while Tottenham remained in ninth place. The comprehensive victory sent a clear message to Arsenal's title rivals and delighted the home supporters.
Mikel Arteta praised his team's ruthless performance and Eze's special afternoon.
Mikel Arteta: "That was a complete performance against our biggest rivals. We were clinical, we were relentless, and we showed the quality that has put us at the top of the table. Eberechi Eze was magnificentāa hat-trick in the North London Derby is something he'll remember forever. But it was a team performance, and everyone contributed to a result that means so much to our supporters."
Eberechi Eze: "This is what dreams are made of. To score a hat-trick in the North London Derby at the Emirates is an incredible feeling. The fans were amazing, and we wanted to give them a performance to remember. We're building something special here, and days like this show what we're capable of when we play to our potential."
The Man of the Match award goes to Eberechi Eze. His sensational hat-trick was the difference in a dominant Arsenal display, and his movement, finishing, and composure under pressure were exceptional. Eze's ability to score at crucial momentsājust before halftime, immediately after the break, and then to seal the winādemonstrated his growing importance to this Arsenal side. A North London Derby hat-trick is a feat that will be remembered for years to come.
Arsenal now prepare for another crucial Champions League fixture, hosting Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, November 26, in what promises to be a stern test of their European credentials.
Image Credits https://www.arsenal.com/news/gallery-58-photos-our-memorable-nld-success