Eberechi Eze orchestrated a masterclass at the Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2025, leading Arsenal to a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. The England forward's hat-trick not only secured bragging rights for the Gunners but also propelled them six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
From the kickoff, Eze appeared to be operating on a different plane, gliding across the pitch with an almost ethereal lightness. Barney Ronay, in his match report, described Eze's performance as a display of "derby day brutality" delivered with the finesse of a "feather-light Parisian macaron". Eze's third goal, in particular, encapsulated his otherworldly aura. After a surge down the left and a smart pass from Leandro Trossard, Eze stopped abruptly at the edge of the Spurs box, causing Destiny Udogie to lose his footing and gifting Eze the space to slot the ball into the corner of the net.
Eze's goals were remarkable not just for their precision but for the ease with which he seemed to create them. His movements possessed a fluidity and grace that suggested he was barely making contact with the ground. This unique quality, Ronay speculated, might be attributed to Eze's cage-ball background, where avoiding knee injuries was paramount.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lauded Eze's "aura" following the match. Arteta highlighted Eze's exceptional talent, acknowledging that such performances are a natural consequence of his abilities. While Eze has been a valuable contributor since joining Arsenal, this hat-trick performance elevated him to another level entirely.
Beyond Eze's brilliance, the match exposed deficiencies in Tottenham's squad, particularly in defense, with Bentancur having a day to forget. Arsenal's dominance extended beyond the scoreline, as they controlled possession and dictated the tempo of the game for extended periods. The Gunners' midfield, led by Martin Odegaard, effectively stifled Spurs' attacking threats and provided a solid platform for their own forward movements.
The victory was a statement of intent from Arsenal, solidifying their position as serious title contenders. With Eze in such scintillating form, the Gunners appear poised to maintain their momentum and challenge for the Premier League crown. The resounding win against their arch-rivals will undoubtedly boost morale and confidence within the squad as they navigate the challenges ahead.
