Arsenal delivered a statement of intent in the Premier League on November 23, 2025, thrashing rivals Tottenham 4-1 in a north London derby that reignited their title credentials and buried Spurs’ unbeaten away run. Eberechi Eze, the boyhood Gunner once linked with Spurs, etched his name into folklore with a first senior hat-trick—his third goal a sublime curler in the 65th minute—while Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice added to the rout. This emphatic win, Arsenal’s fifth straight league victory, catapults them six points clear at the top, six months after Jürgen Klopp’s Reds claimed the crown. With Liverpool reeling from a 3-0 Forest humiliation (their sixth loss in seven) and Manchester City stunned 2-1 at Newcastle, the Gunners’ dominance—17 shots to Spurs’ three (xG 2.8-0.07)—signals a campaign where Arsenal’s title challenge feels more than credible; it’s commanding.
Key Derby Highlights
- Scoreline: Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham (HT 2-1)
- Arsenal Goals: Saka (22′), Eze (28′, 45+2′, 65′), Rice (78′)
- Tottenham Goal: Son (45+2′)
- Attendance: 62,198 (Emirates sell-out)
- Man of the Match: Eberechi Eze—hat-trick, 10/10 rating
- Arsenal Form: 5 wins in 6; 35 points (top)
- Tottenham Form: 2 losses in 3; 19 points (8th)
Eze’s masterclass—first derby hat-trick since 1978 (Hoddle)—turned a cagey opener into carnage.
Eze’s Emotional Masterclass: From Rejected Youth to Derby Destroyer
Eze, 28, grew up dreaming of Arsenal—released at 13, he rebuilt at QPR/Millwall/Crystal Palace. £67m summer 2025 move: “More special than dream—thank God.”
Hat-trick: Opener (28′, Rice through-ball); equalizer reply (45+2′, volley); curler (65′, Saka assist). 17 shots total; xG 2.8.
Eze (MOTD): “Crazy—special for me, family. Arsenal boy—couldn’t dream. Thank God.”
Arteta: “Eze’s work-rate, intelligence, joy—special. Tuchel said ‘best I’ve seen’—now adds for team.”
Rejected by Spurs: Frank’s pre-match “who?” joke backfired.
Morrison: “Palace meant much—career takes off.”
Eze: “Relentless—always trying score. Clinical now.”
Arsenal’s Title Charge: Six Points Clear Amid Rivals’ Stumbles
Arsenal 35 points (5 ahead Chelsea); unbeaten 14 PL games.
Rivals falter:
- Liverpool: 0-3 Forest (6/7 losses)—11th (18 pts).
- Man City: 1-2 Newcastle—4th (25 pts).
- Chelsea: 2-0 Burnley—2nd (27 pts).
Arsenal 5th time top after 12 games—largest lead (6 pts). No team with 6+ points at this stage lost title.
Arsenal: 5th top after 12—failed prior 3 times; but largest lead.
Keown: “Major problem for Slot—unthinkable. £450m worse; wheels off.”
Arteta: “Statement—depth without Gabriel/Odegaard/Havertz/Gyökeres.”
Summer £250m: 8 players; Hincapié loan (£52m option)—versatile cover.
Arteta: “Warrior—seamless integration.”
PL table (post-Round 12):
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 35 | +25 |
| 2 | Chelsea | 29 | +18 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 26 | +12 |
| 4 | Man City | 25 | +20 |
| 11 | Liverpool | 18 | -5 |
Derby Dominance: Tactical Edge and Depth Tested
No Gabriel (thigh, 4-8 weeks); Odegaard (ankle), Havertz (knee), Gyökeres (hamstring) out. Arsenal: 17 shots (3 on target); Tottenham 3 (1 on target).
xG: Arsenal 2.8-0.07. Rice header (78′) sealed; Son curler consolation (45+2′).
Arteta: “Depth crucial—Hincapié warrior; no drop-off.”
Postecoglou: “Gave space—disappointing. Arsenal deserved.”
Arsenal home vs elite: 8 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses since 2023.
Verdict: Eze’s Hat-Trick Ignites Arsenal’s Title Fire
Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham: Eze’s historic treble—first derby hat-trick since 1978—powers Gunners’ charge.
6pts clear; rivals stumble—£450m Liverpool crisis contrasts depth.
Arteta: “Special—talent + willingness = magic.”
Title? Arsenal’s to lose—Eze’s joy infectious.
