Eze scores historic hat-trick as Arsenal thrash Tottenham 4-1.
Eberechi Eze scored a hat-trick in 35 minutes, becoming the first Premier League player to score three goals in the North London Derby, helping Arsenal win 4-1 at the Emirates and extend their lead over Chelsea to six points.
In just 35 minutes, Eberechi Eze turned the North London Derby at the Emirates into his own stage: a historic hat-trick and a 4-1 victory for Arsenal. This was the first hat-trick in this derby in the Premier League era, helping Arsenal consolidate their lead at the top of the table with a 6-point advantage over Chelsea. For Eze, it was also a direct response to Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank.
The key moment: a hat-trick in 35 minutes.
Eze, 27, wreaked havoc on Tottenham's defense. He unleashed 6 shots, 4 of which were on target, resulting in 3 goals. His finishing efficiency far exceeded his expected goals (xG) 0.59, demonstrating his sharpness in front of goal.
On the ball, Eze was perfect in every move: all 3 dribbles were successful. Besides scoring goals, he also created one clear scoring opportunity for a teammate, receiving the highest rating of the match at 9.7. His presence impacted both sides of the game, not only through goals but also through the constant pace of attack.
A historic milestone for the North London Derby.
Eze became the first player in the Premier League era to score a hat-trick in the North London Derby. The previous record was held by Alan Sunderland of Arsenal in 1978, before the league changed its name. For Arsenal, this victory was symbolic: a big signing shining in a big match.
A response to Thomas Frank
Before the match, when asked about Tottenham missing out on Eze in the summer transfer window, Thomas Frank responded curtly: "Who is Eze?" then added a polite remark and emphasized his philosophy of not needing players who don't want to contribute to Tottenham. He had also targeted Eze in the summer transfer window, but the English player refused to join Arsenal for a fee of £67.5 million (some sources report around £60 million).
What unfolded at the Emirates provided the clearest answer. In his derby debut, Eze not only scored three goals but also dominated the duels, costing Tottenham dearly. It was 90 minutes that transformed a sarcastic question into a source of regret.
Two-way impact: effective attack, diligent defense.
Eze didn't just score goals. He recovered the ball 4 times, won 6 out of 8 ground duels, and contributed to Arsenal's dominance. With those statistics, Eze was both a key striker and a link in the team's organization and transitions, creating a superior game.
Eze's outstanding statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Goal | 3 (hat-trick in 35 minutes) |
| Shoot/Shoot on target | 6 / 4 |
| Successful dribbling | 3/3 (100%) |
| A lucrative opportunity is created. | 1 |
| xG | 0.59 |
| Recover the ball | 4 |
| A one-on-one fight on the ground. | Win 6/8 |
| Rating | 9.7 |
Impact on the race
The 4-1 victory helped Arsenal consolidate their lead at the top of the table, six points ahead of Chelsea. For Eze, it was a confirmation of the value of his blockbuster signing: rejecting Tottenham, choosing Arsenal, and then shining brightly in his first derby match. Arsenal fans have reason to be overjoyed, while Thomas Frank could only remain silent.