When Eberechi Eze smashed a right-footed rocket past Guglielmo Vicario in the 78th minute, Emirates Stadium didn’t just erupt—it shook. The Nigerian-born Englishman had just completed a hat-trick, turning a fierce North London derby into a statement of intent. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 10:40 am UTC, Arsenal Football Club crushed Tottenham Hotspur Football Club 4-1 in front of nearly 60,000 fans, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points. This wasn’t just another win. It was the biggest derby victory in 13 years—and Eze’s performance? Many are calling it the greatest individual display in the fixture’s modern history.
The Hat-Trick That Shook North London
It started with a tap-in from Leandro Trossard in the 18th minute, but the real fireworks came from Eze. At 32’, he intercepted a lazy pass, danced past two defenders, and fired low and hard into the bottom corner. The YouTube highlights captured the moment perfectly: “Rice touches it on Eza. Still Ez… got the power on it. Vicario could do little to keep it out.” Two minutes later, he doubled the lead with a curler from 22 yards that left the Spurs goalkeeper frozen. By halftime, Arsenal were 2-0 up, and the tension in the stands had shifted from nervous anticipation to pure belief. Then, 35 seconds after the restart—just 35 seconds—Eze struck again. A long ball from Declan Rice, a touch from Bukayo Saka, and Eze was through. One touch. One shot. Another scream from the stands. “He’s not human,” muttered one fan in the North Bank. Tottenham’s Richarlison pulled one back with a thunderous 25-yarder, but the damage was done. At 78’, Eze sealed it with a clinical finish after a slick one-two with Kai Havertz. The stadium was deafening. The Premier League was watching.Why This Win Changes Everything
Arsenal now sit on 29 points from 12 games: nine wins, two draws, one loss. Goal difference: +18. Second-place Chelsea? 23 points. Manchester City? 22. Six points clear. That’s not just a lead—it’s a psychological chasm. And it’s not just about points. It’s about momentum. It’s about belief. For the first time since 2012, Arsenal have won a North London derby by three goals or more. The last time? 2012. That’s 13 years. Analyst Rory Jennings put it bluntly: “This isn’t just a win. It’s a turning point.” The historical weight of this fixture can’t be overstated. Arsenal moved from Woolwich to Highbury in 1913 under chairman Henry Norris—a move that sparked outrage, legal battles, and even parliamentary debates. That history lives in these matches. And now, with Eze leading the charge, Arsenal aren’t just playing for pride—they’re playing for legacy.
Who’s Carrying the Team?
Eze, 25, signed from Crystal Palace in 2023 for £32 million, has quietly become the heartbeat of this Arsenal side. He’s scored 11 goals in 12 league games this season. His movement, his vision, his nerve—it’s all there. But he’s not alone. Declan Rice dominated midfield, completing 94% of his passes. Martin Ødegaard orchestrated play with calm precision. Even Ben White, often criticized, was flawless defensively. Tottenham? A mess. Their midfield was overrun. Their defense looked confused. Richarlison’s goal was a moment of brilliance, but it was the only one. Manager Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup looked outdated, and the players seemed to have lost confidence. “I cannot believe how bad they were,” Jennings said after the match. “It was like they forgot they were playing a derby.”What This Means for the Title Race
Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League since 2004. But this season? Something feels different. They’re not just beating teams—they’re dismantling them. And Eze? He’s becoming the X-factor. “He could be the signing that will take Arsenal to the title,” Jennings added. “Not the only reason—but maybe the spark.” With Manchester City still recovering from injuries and Chelsea struggling for consistency, Arsenal’s path to the title has never looked clearer. They’ve now gone 10 matches unbeaten in the league. Their next three fixtures? Brighton, West Ham, and Manchester United. All winnable. All opportunities to widen the gap.
The Bigger Picture
This wasn’t just about three goals. It was about identity. Arsenal used to be the team that choked in big games. Now? They’re the ones who deliver. The Emirates crowd sang Eze’s name until the final whistle. The players hugged him like he’d just won the Champions League. And for good reason. The North London derby has produced legends: Henry, Bergkamp, Rooney, Kane. Now, add Eze to the list. He didn’t just score three goals. He reminded everyone that Arsenal are back—and they’re not stopping.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Eberechi Eze’s hat-trick compare to other legendary performances in the North London derby?
Eze’s hat-trick is the first in a North London derby since 2008, when Robin van Persie scored three for Arsenal. It’s the first by an Arsenal player at the Emirates Stadium. Only Thierry Henry (2004) and Jimmy Brain (1927) have scored more than two goals in a single derby for Arsenal. Eze’s performance stands alongside those as one of the most dominant individual displays in the fixture’s 120-year history.
What impact does this result have on Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League?
With 29 points and a +18 goal difference, Arsenal now have the best record in the league. Their six-point cushion over Chelsea is the largest at this stage of the season since 2003-04. Historically, teams leading by six or more points after 12 games have gone on to win the title 82% of the time since 2000. If Arsenal maintain their current form, they’re heavy favorites.
Why is this considered Arsenal’s biggest derby win in 13 years?
The last time Arsenal won a North London derby by three or more goals was April 2012, when they beat Spurs 5-1 at White Hart Lane. Since then, they’ve drawn or lost five of the last seven derbies. This 4-1 win not only ends that streak but also marks the first time since 2012 that Arsenal have scored four goals against Tottenham in any competition.
What role did Declan Rice play in Eze’s success?
Rice was the engine. He completed 94% of his passes, made 11 recoveries, and delivered the assist for Eze’s second goal. His ability to shield the defense and launch counterattacks gave Eze the space to thrive. Without Rice’s control in midfield, Eze’s runs would have been cut off. Their partnership is now the most lethal in the Premier League.
How has Tottenham’s performance this season affected their rivalry with Arsenal?
Tottenham are in their worst start to a season since 2017, sitting 10th with just 12 points after 12 games. Their defensive errors, lack of creativity, and inconsistent leadership have eroded their credibility in the derby. For the first time in over a decade, Arsenal fans aren’t just celebrating—they’re looking down on their rivals. The psychological edge has shifted decisively.
Is Eberechi Eze now considered an Arsenal legend?
He’s not there yet—but he’s on the path. A hat-trick in the North London derby is the kind of moment that defines careers. Only five players have scored a derby hat-trick for Arsenal in the Premier League era. If Eze maintains this form and helps Arsenal win silverware, he’ll be enshrined alongside Henry and Bergkamp. For now, he’s the man who made history on a Sunday morning in November.