Eberechi Eze Shines with Historic Hat Trick in North London Derby

omidbasir- LONDON — Eberechi Eze delivered an outstanding performance, scoring the first league hat trick in a North London derby since 1978, propelling Arsenal to a decisive 4-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur. This win places the Gunners six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

With title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City both suffering defeats on Saturday, Arsenal seized a vital opportunity to establish a lead over the teams most likely to contest the title. Following Leandro Trossard’s opening goal in the 36th minute, Eze made history by becoming the first player to score a Premier League hat trick in this iconic fixture.

Tottenham, who missed the chance to sign Eze after his departure from Crystal Palace in August, struggled to pose a threat to their local rivals. Richarlison’s stunning long-range strike provided little solace amidst a one-sided encounter.

This victory keeps Arsenal on track for their first league title since 2004, with their next challenge being a visit to Chelsea, who currently sit in second place after a 2-0 win against Burnley on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta emphasized the significance of capitalizing on rivals’ missteps, a strategy that proved effective once again. With Manchester City losing to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest defeating Liverpool, Arsenal had the opportunity to extend their lead. Historically, such chances have been squandered, but this season feels distinct.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with the unveiling of a new tifo celebrating Arsenal legends and a lively video montage setting the stage. The Gunners recognized the importance of this match and executed their game plan flawlessly, extending their advantage over City to seven points and pushing 11 points clear of the defending champions, Liverpool.

Despite the fact that it’s still November, Arsenal’s current form suggests they are favorites in the title race. Their dominance in North London derbies continues, with only one home defeat to Spurs in the last 32 years, the last occurring in 2010.

On the other hand, Thomas Frank, who has been at the helm of Tottenham for less than six months, finds himself in precarious territory following this setback at the Emirates. The defeat carries added weight due to the historical rivalry with Arsenal, and aside from Richarlison’s goal, there were few positives for Frank’s side.

Although a victory could have propelled Spurs into fourth place, the likelihood of that outcome diminished early on. Frank’s cautious, defensive tactics have drawn criticism from the Spurs fan base, and he will need to rally his team quickly. With challenging fixtures on the horizon, including a UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain and a must-win encounter against Fulham, Frank’s position could come under further scrutiny.

Eze’s pivotal role in the game was somewhat expected. The 27-year-old was close to joining Tottenham during the summer but ultimately chose Arsenal after reaching out to Arteta. Following the injury to Kai Havertz, Arteta recognized the need for reinforcements and expressed interest in Eze, leading him to favor a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham’s plans were derailed as they settled for Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig instead, a decision that now seems regrettable. Eze’s exceptional hat trick not only showcased his talent but served as a stark reminder of what Spurs missed out on.

In contrast, Simons started on the bench, and his introduction did little to turn the tide for Tottenham.

Arsenal boasts an impressive array of attacking talent this season, bolstered by the additions of Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, and Noni Madueke. However, it was Trossard, the unsung hero, who kickstarted the victory against Spurs. The Belgian international, a £27 million signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, has been a reliable player for Arteta, and his contribution against Spurs was significant. Trossard’s opener marked his 10th goal contribution this season, leading the team in that regard.

Despite contemplating a move away from Arsenal in the summer, Trossard ultimately secured a new contract, highlighting his value to the squad. His performance, combined with the contributions of star players, will be crucial for Arsenal’s aspirations of clinching the title.