When Eberechi Eze struck his third goal in the 76th minute, the roar at Emirates Stadium didn’t just celebrate a goal—it honored history. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Eze became only the fourth player ever to score a hat-trick in the north London derby, leading Arsenal Football Club to a stunning 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. The win didn’t just extend Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League; it sent a message to every title rival: this team is building something unstoppable.
A Derby That Changed the Table
At halftime, Arsenal led 2-0, with Leandro Trossard scoring in the 36th minute and Eze opening the floodgates just before the break. But no one expected what came next. Thirty-five seconds into the second half, Eze struck again—fast, clinical, devastating. Spurs were still adjusting to the whistle when the ball was in the net. It was the kind of goal that makes managers question their substitutions, fans question their faith, and pundits question their pre-match analysis.
Then came Richarlison’s miracle. A 40-yard lob from deep, a moment of individual brilliance that made you forget the scoreline. Guglielmo Vicario, Tottenham’s goalkeeper, had drifted too far out, and Richarlison, with the composure of a veteran, curled it over him. For a moment, it felt like a lifeline. But it was only a flicker. Arsenal didn’t panic. They didn’t sit back. They pressed harder.
The Eze Effect: How a Midfielder Became the Derbies’ New Legend
Before this match, only three players had ever netted three goals in a north London derby: Jimmy Greaves, Alan Shearer, and Gareth Bale. Now, Eze joins them. And he didn’t just score—he orchestrated. His first goal came from a cutback by Bukayo Saka, his second a lightning counter, and his third? Pure instinct. Trossard slipped him the ball on the edge of the box, Udogie lunged, and Eze placed it into the bottom corner like he was putting a letter in the mail.
"It’s not just about the goals," said Mikel Arteta post-match. "It’s about the rhythm he brings. He doesn’t just run at people—he makes them think twice before they tackle him." That’s the quiet revolution happening at Arsenal. They’re not just winning games; they’re rewriting how midfielders are expected to perform in high-pressure derbies.
The Fallout: Spurs’ Cracks and Arsenal’s Confidence
Tottenham’s defeat was more than just a loss. It was a collapse under pressure. Manager Ange Postecoglou had hoped Randal Kolo Muani’s return from injury would spark something. Instead, his side looked disjointed. Cristian Romero, the captain, tried to rally his team, but the space between midfield and defense was a canyon. And when Arsenal pressed, they exploited it like surgeons.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s injury list was long—Gabriel Magalhães out for weeks, Calafiori limping off in the 90th minute, Martinelli still sidelined. Yet Arteta’s squad depth shone. Zubimendi controlled the tempo. Rice was everywhere. And Trossard, often overlooked, was the glue. His assist for Eze’s third goal? That’s the kind of contribution that wins titles.
What This Means for the Title Race
Before kick-off, Liverpool and Manchester City had lost on Saturday. Arsenal didn’t just take advantage—they seized the moment. With 29 points from 12 games (9 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss), they’re now six points clear of Chelsea Football Club, seven ahead of Manchester City Football Club, and eight clear of the next tier. That’s not a lead. That’s a statement.
And the goal difference? +18. That’s the most in the league. They’re not just winning—they’re dominating. No team in the Premier League has scored more goals. No team has conceded fewer. And now, with Eze firing on all cylinders, they’re becoming the most feared attacking unit in England.
What’s Next?
Arsenal face AFC Bournemouth next in a midweek fixture, then travel to Manchester United in the final week of December. Tottenham, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. With only 18 points and a +6 goal difference, they’re slipping out of the top-four race. Their next three games—against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United—could make or break their season.
For now, though, the north London derby belongs to Arsenal. And to one man who turned a match into a legend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a hat-trick in the north London derby?
Only four players in history have scored a hat-trick in the north London derby: Jimmy Greaves (1961), Alan Shearer (1995), Gareth Bale (2010), and now Eberechi Eze (2025). Before Eze, no one had done it in 15 years. The derby’s intensity, physicality, and defensive discipline make three goals nearly impossible—making his feat one of the most remarkable in Premier League history.
Why is this win so significant for Arsenal’s title hopes?
Arsenal now lead the Premier League with 29 points, six clear of Chelsea and seven ahead of Manchester City. With a +18 goal difference—the best in the league—they’re not just winning; they’re outscoring rivals by wide margins. This victory, coupled with losses from title rivals, has created breathing room. If they maintain this form, they’ll be the first team since 2004 to win the league without losing more than one game.
What impact did injuries have on the match?
Arsenal were missing key players like Gabriel Magalhães and Viktor Gyökeres, yet still fielded a squad capable of dismantling Spurs. Riccardo Calafiori’s substitution in the 90th minute highlighted their depth—Myles Lewis-Skelly, a 19-year-old academy product, stepped in without missing a beat. For Tottenham, Randal Kolo Muani’s return wasn’t enough to offset their midfield’s lack of cohesion. The contrast in squad depth may prove decisive over a 38-game season.
How did Eze’s goals compare to past derby hat-tricks?
Unlike Greaves’ clinical finishes or Bale’s long-range strikes, Eze’s goals were a blend of pace, vision, and composure. His first came from a tight angle, his second a lightning counter, and his third a textbook finish from the edge of the box. All three were assisted by different teammates—showing he wasn’t isolated. This wasn’t a solo performance; it was the product of a system firing on all cylinders.
What does this mean for Tottenham’s top-four chances?
Tottenham now sit fifth with 18 points, tied with Liverpool and Manchester United. But their goal difference (+6) is worse than both. With three of their next five games against top-six teams, they’re running out of time to recover. A loss to Liverpool next could drop them to seventh. Their defense, which conceded four goals without a clean sheet in their last four matches, looks increasingly vulnerable.
Is this the start of a new Arsenal dynasty?
It’s too early to call it a dynasty, but the signs are undeniable. Mikel Arteta has built a team that wins ugly and wins beautifully. They’ve now gone 11 games unbeaten in the league. Their youth integration is seamless. And with Eze, Saka, and Zubimendi all under 27, their core is young, hungry, and tactically mature. If they stay fit, this could be the most dominant Arsenal side since the Invincibles.