Eberechi Eze scores a hat-trick as Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1.
Eze scored a hat-trick in the North London derby, setting a Premier League record, helping Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1 and extend their lead over Chelsea to six points.
Just 23 seconds into the second half, Eberechi Eze curled a left-footed shot into the net, crushing Tottenham's hopes and putting a decisive touch on Arsenal's 4-1 victory at the Emirates. The £60 million signing completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, becoming the focal point of a pivotal North London derby night for Mikel Arteta's side.
Key moments and the rhythm of the game.
Tottenham, under Thomas Frank, started with a five-man defense, but Arsenal were the ones who dominated the game. In the 36th minute, Leandro Trossard opened the scoring after an assist from Mikel Merino. Towards the end of the first half, Eze doubled the lead with a skillful dribble past two defenders before finishing past goalkeeper Vicario.
Just 23 seconds into the second half, Eze curled a superb left-footed shot, leaving Spurs in a hopeless situation. Tottenham pulled one back with a long-range shot from Richarlison from about 40 meters, but all hope was dashed when Eze completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sealing a 4-1 victory.
A record of a historic match.
In his first North London derby appearance, Eze made history by scoring the first hat-trick in the history of the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry in the Premier League era. He also became the third Arsenal player to achieve this feat in the league, after Alan Sunderland (1978) and Ted Drake (1934). Eze's goals in about 35 minutes decided the outcome and helped Arsenal extend their lead to 6 points over second-placed Chelsea.
Tactical perspective: Eze is the explosive element.
Spurs opted for a five-man defense to block space in the center, but Arsenal exploited the midfield flanks effectively, with Eze operating like a modern attacking midfielder. His ball control, acceleration, and finishing ability unlocked the low defensive block, while his active participation in pressing helped the Gunners maintain tempo and regain control immediately after losing possession.
A notable aspect is Eze's dual intensity: he acts as both a penetrating force in the final third and performs the necessary defensive actions to maintain team balance. Every touch of the ball has a clear purpose: either to stretch the defense or to attack directly into space.
The numbers speak for themselves.
What Eze did was not only visually stunning but also incredibly effective. Fotmob's rating gave him 9.7 points – the highest in the match. His three goals, with an xG of 0.59, demonstrate his finishing quality and ability to capitalize on opportunities. His impactful play was evident in his 100% successful dribble rate and 80% passing accuracy, which helped control the tempo of the game.
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Goal | 3 |
| xG | 0.59 |
| Fotmob Score | 9.7 |
| Successful dribble | 100% |
| Accurate passing | 80% |
| Number of touches | 45 |
| Touching the ball inside the penalty area. | 7 |
| Defensive action | 7 |
| The dispute on the ground was won. | 6 (75%) |
| Blocking play | 2 |
Long-term significance
From his last-minute "reversal" at the end of the summer transfer window – when he was almost certain to join Tottenham from Crystal Palace – to his brilliant performance in his first derby match, Eze has turned pressure into motivation. With a record-breaking hat-trick and impressive statistics, the £60 million signing not only brought three points but also instilled confidence in Tottenham's ambitions to compete for the Premier League title.
Above all, this match defined Eze as a new icon of the North London derby: effective, cool-headed, and adept at choosing the right moment to turn the game around.
