Eberechi Eze hat-trick powers Arsenal to 4-1 derby win over Tottenham
When Eberechi Eze buried his third goal into the top corner of the net at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the roar wasn’t just for a goal—it was for history. Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the fiercest fixture in English football, and Eze, the summer signing from Crystal Palace Football Club, didn’t just steal the show—he rewrote the script. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring with a slick turn and finish in the 27th minute, but it was Eze who turned a derby into a coronation. His first goal at 32’, a right-footed rocket from 20 yards, left goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario rooted. Then, 35 seconds after halftime, he did it again. By the time he completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute, the Arsenal Football Club faithful were screaming themselves hoarse. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
The Derby That Broke the Silence
For years, North London derbies have been defined by tension, grit, and the occasional moment of magic. But this one? It was different. The atmosphere at Emirates Stadium crackled before kickoff—not just because of the stakes, but because of what was at stake emotionally. Tottenham had come in hoping to claw back into the title race. Arsenal? They were already top, but they needed to prove they could dominate when it mattered most. And they did. Trossard’s opener set the tone, but Eze’s second goal—coming so fast after the restart—was the psychological knockout punch. Fans still talk about Thierry Henry’s 2004 derby brace. Now, they’re talking about Eze’s 46:35 strike. The timing? Almost cruel. One minute into the second half, and the home crowd was already celebrating like they’d won the league.
The Man Behind the Magic
Eberechi Eze wasn’t even a starter for Arsenal at the beginning of the season. Signed in July 2025 after a standout campaign at Crystal Palace, he was seen as a creative spark—not a match-winner. But his movement, his nerve, his ability to find space between Tottenham’s midfield and defense? That’s what made him lethal. His first goal came from a Declan Rice pass that looked like a simple clearance, but Eze anticipated the bounce, turned, and unleashed. His second? A curler that curved like a question mark only to end with an exclamation point. His third? Pure instinct. A loose ball, a sprint, a feint, and a finish that sent Vicario diving the wrong way. The YouTube highlights from Arsenal’s official channel called it “one of the greatest hat-tricks in club history.” Analyst Rory Jennings of The Rory Jennings Show didn’t hold back: “He could be the signing that takes us to the Champions League. Not the only reason—but maybe the spark.”
Tottenham’s Struggle and Richarlison’s Glimmer
Tottenham’s performance was a study in frustration. Their midfield, usually so fluid, looked sluggish. Harry Kane was isolated. James Maddison had no room to turn. The only moment of real quality came from Richarlison, who pulled one back with a thunderous 25-yarder in the 61st minute. It was a goal worthy of the occasion—beautiful, powerful, a moment of brilliance in a sea of mediocrity. But it was too little, too late. The damage was done. And the silence that followed wasn’t just from the away fans—it was from the players themselves. You could see it in their shoulders. They knew they’d been outclassed.
What This Means for the Title Race
Arsenal now sit on 29 points from 12 games—nine wins, two draws, one loss. Their goal difference? +18. That’s not just good. That’s dominant. Chelsea are six points back. Manchester City, despite their firepower, are seven points behind. And the gap keeps widening. This win wasn’t just about three points. It was about momentum, belief, and psychological dominance. The last time Arsenal won a North London derby by this margin? 2012. That was the year they finished second. This time? They’re not chasing. They’re leading. And with 26 games left, every point feels like a brick in a wall they’re building around the Premier League trophy.
Why This Rivalry Still Matters
Some say football’s changed. That money and global branding have diluted local rivalries. But anyone who was at Emirates Stadium on Sunday knows better. The history runs deep—back to 1913, when Arsenal Football Club moved from Plumstead to Highbury, encroaching on Tottenham’s territory. Henry Norris, the chairman who made it happen, was accused of betrayal. The animosity didn’t fade. It festered. And now? The players know it. Declan Rice, who grew up in South London and was once a Chelsea fan, now leads this team with quiet authority. He doesn’t need to shout. His presence, his passing, his control—it’s the glue. And Eze? He’s the spark. Together, they’re not just playing for points. They’re playing for legacy.
What’s Next?
Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford on December 7, followed by a home game against Liverpool on December 14. Tottenham, meanwhile, travel to Brentford on December 5, then host Brighton. The pressure is mounting on Antonio Conte. For Arsenal, the next few weeks could define their season. If they keep winning like this, the Premier League trophy might not just be a dream—it could be a formality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Eberechi Eze’s hat-trick in Arsenal history?
Eze’s hat-trick is only the third in a North London derby by an Arsenal player, joining the likes of Thierry Henry (2004) and Jimmy Brain (1927). But unlike those, this one came in a match that extended Arsenal’s league lead to six points—the largest margin after 12 games since the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ season. It’s the first hat-trick at Emirates Stadium in a derby, and the fastest brace in derby history (35 seconds between goals two and three).
Why did Tottenham struggle so badly defensively?
Tottenham’s backline, missing injured center-back Cristian Romero, was exposed by Arsenal’s quick transitions. Eze and Trossard exploited the space between Tottenham’s midfield and fullbacks, particularly on the left flank where Djibril Sow was out of position. The lack of pressing intensity in midfield allowed Rice and Martin Ødegaard to dictate play, and Tottenham’s high defensive line was repeatedly caught out by through balls.
What impact does this result have on the Premier League title race?
Arsenal now lead by six points over Chelsea and seven over Manchester City, with a vastly superior goal difference. No team has won the Premier League after being six points behind after 12 games since 2019. With only two losses all season, Arsenal are on pace for 92+ points—on par with the Invincibles. This win didn’t just extend their lead—it shifted the narrative from “can they win it?” to “how many will they win by?”
Is this the most important derby win in Arsenal’s modern era?
It’s up there. The 2004 win at White Hart Lane (2-1) is often cited as the most iconic, but this one carries more weight. It wasn’t just about beating rivals—it was about asserting dominance in the title race. No Arsenal side since 1991 has led the league by six points after 12 games. This win wasn’t just emotional—it was structural. It changed the dynamics of the entire season.
How did Declan Rice contribute to the victory?
Rice was the engine. He completed 94% of his passes (42 of 45), made five recoveries, and provided the assist for Eze’s second goal. His positioning allowed Arsenal to control the tempo, and his physical presence neutralized Tottenham’s attempts to press high. He didn’t score, but he made the goals possible. As Rory Jennings noted, “He’s the foundation. Eze is the fireworks.”
What’s the historical context of the North London derby?
The rivalry began in 1913 when Arsenal, then Woolwich Arsenal, moved from Plumstead to Highbury, directly challenging Tottenham’s dominance in North London. The move was controversial—accused of territorial encroachment by local MPs and fans. The animosity deepened in the 1930s when Arsenal became England’s most successful club. Since then, over 200 matches have been played. This 4-1 win is Arsenal’s largest margin of victory in the derby since 2012, and only the third time they’ve scored four goals in a single derby since 1971.
