On a crisp Sunday evening at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal didn’t just beat Tottenham Hotspur — they buried them. Eberechi Eze delivered a performance for the ages, scoring a historic hat-trick in the 41st, 46th, and 76th minutes to seal a 4-1 victory in the North London derby on November 23, 2025. The win didn’t just sting — it stunned. With Liverpool and Manchester City both losing on Saturday, Arsenal seized the moment to surge six points clear at the top of the Premier League. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
A Hat-Trick for the Ages
Eberechi Eze didn’t just score three goals. He rewrote history. He became only the fourth player ever to net a hat-trick in the North London derby, joining legends Ted Drake, Terry Dyson, and Alan Sunderland. The last time it happened? 1979. Forty-six years. And now, Eze is the name on everyone’s lips. His first came from a crisp low finish after Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 36th minute. The second? A lightning counter, one touch, one shot — past Guglielmo Vicario before he could blink. The third? A clinical strike after a slick through ball from Bukayo Saka in the 76th minute. No celebration. Just a nod. Like he’d done this a hundred times before.The Context That Made It Matter
This wasn’t just another derby. It was the perfect storm. Arsenal were missing their £55 million striker Viktor Gyökeres and their defensive anchor Gabriel Martinelli, sidelined with a thigh injury expected to keep him out for one to two months. Tottenham, meanwhile, rolled out a risky three-man backline under Ange Postecoglou, hoping to outmuscle Arsenal’s midfield. It didn’t work. Not even close. Richarlison gave Spurs a glimmer of hope with a 40-yard lob in the 56th minute — a moment of pure magic that had the away end roaring. But it was a spark, not a flame. The moment Eze scored his third, the energy drained from the visitors. You could feel it. The crowd at Emirates fell silent. The Spurs players looked lost. This wasn’t just a loss. It was a collapse.Midfield Mastery and Defensive Resilience
Even without Gabriel, Arsenal’s defense held firm. William Saliba and Jean-Clair Todibo were immaculate, cutting off every through ball, every flick, every hopeful cross. Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi controlled the tempo like seasoned conductors. Rice, who picked up a yellow card, was everywhere — breaking up play, launching attacks, even forcing a rare Vicario save early on when his close-range effort rattled the post. Tottenham’s midfield, led by Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur, simply couldn’t match the intensity. They had chances — three clear opportunities in the first half — but lacked the precision. Michael Oliver, the referee, kept control with four yellow cards — one to Rice, three to Spurs — but never let the game spiral. The weather? Clear sky, eight degrees Celsius, gentle breeze. Perfect football weather. Perfect conditions for a masterpiece.
What This Means for the Title Race
Arsenal are now six points clear of Chelsea, seven ahead of Manchester City, and eight clear of the next unnamed challenger — likely Manchester United or Aston Villa. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. What matters is momentum. What matters is belief. After losing to Manchester United in September, many wrote them off. Now? Arsenal are the gold standard, as NBC Sports put it. They’re playing with a calm, ruthless efficiency that’s terrifying. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s season is unraveling. Postecoglou’s system looks brittle against top-tier sides. Their attack, once feared, now looks predictable. And the fans? They’re restless. The official match report called it a “disappointing afternoon at the Emirates.” Understatement of the season.What’s Next?
Arsenal face Nottingham Forest next in the Premier League, then a Europa League clash with Benfica. Eze’s confidence will be sky-high. If he keeps this form, he could be a top-scorer by Christmas. Meanwhile, Tottenham must win their next three to avoid falling out of the top four. Postecoglou’s job security? That’s now in question.
Behind the Scenes: The Injuries That Shaped the Game
The absence of Gabriel Martinelli was huge. He’s not just a defender — he’s a set-piece threat, a leader, a guy who reads the game like a chess master. Without him, Arsenal’s backline had to adapt on the fly. Todibo, a 21-year-old from France, stepped up like a veteran. Calafiori, playing as left-back, covered more ground than anyone else. And the substitutions? Brilliant. Ethan Nwaneri came on in the 88th minute — the 16-year-old academy star — and immediately held the ball under pressure. The future is here. And it’s wearing an Arsenal shirt.Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a hat-trick in the North London derby?
Only four players in the 137-year history of the North London derby have scored a hat-trick: Ted Drake (1934), Terry Dyson (1958), Alan Sunderland (1979), and now Eberechi Eze (2025). That’s one every 20 years on average. No player has done it in the Premier League era before Eze. It’s rarer than a 100-degree day in London.
Why did Arsenal win despite missing key players?
Mikel Arteta’s tactical flexibility saved them. With Gabriel out, he shifted to a back three, letting Saliba and Todibo anchor the defense while Rice and Zubimendi dominated the midfield. Eze, playing as a false nine, dropped deep to link play, and Saka’s movement pulled Tottenham’s fullbacks out of position. It wasn’t about star power — it was about structure, discipline, and execution.
What impact does this have on the Premier League title race?
Arsenal are now six points clear with 12 games left. That’s a massive cushion. Even if they lose four of their next six, they’re still in pole position. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Liverpool both lost on Saturday — a rare double blow. With Arsenal’s squad depth and consistency, they’re now the favorites. The title race may be over before Christmas.
Is Eberechi Eze now a Premier League superstar?
Absolutely. Before this match, Eze was known as a flashy winger. Now? He’s a match-winner with ice in his veins. Three goals in a derby, against a top-five side, on the biggest stage, with the title on the line — that’s not luck. That’s elite. He’s now the first player since Mohamed Salah in 2018 to score a hat-trick in a London derby while playing for a team outside the traditional ‘Big Six.’
What’s next for Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou?
Postecoglou’s system is built on high pressing and attacking width, but against disciplined teams like Arsenal, it leaves gaps. With Richarlison isolated and the midfield overrun, Spurs looked predictable. If they don’t fix their defensive transitions and add a creative No. 10 by January, they could slip out of the top four. The fans are already calling for changes.
Could Arsenal go unbeaten this season?
It’s unlikely — but not impossible. They’ve won 10 of their first 12 games. Their next six fixtures include tough away trips to Newcastle and Brighton, plus a home game against Liverpool. But with Eze in form, Rice orchestrating, and Arteta’s squad depth, they’ve got the mental toughness. If they avoid major injuries, a 30+ win season is within reach. No team has gone unbeaten since Arsenal themselves in 2003–04. This team might just be ready to do it again.
