Eberechi Eze scored a hat-trick as Arsenal outclassed Tottenham Hotspur on their way to inflicting a 4-1 Premier League (PL) humiliation on them, extending the Gunners’ longest winning streak in North London derbies this century to four matches.
Eberechi Eze carved out the game’s first major opportunity just three minutes into proceedings with a brilliantly flicked pass for Declan Rice, whose volley was sweetly struck but directed straight at Guglielmo Vicario before the ball bounced behind off Kevin Danso.
The hosts’ positive start continued with Cristian Romero being forced into a block to deny Mikel Merino, while Bukayo Saka caused problems for Destiny Udogie but sent a free-kick over the crossbar after being fouled by the wing-back.
The Emirates crowd grew increasingly frustrated with Spurs as the visitors looked to slow things down, especially as the Gunners’ search for an opener continued with Jurrien Timber’s attempt lacking conviction and Saka’s free-kick being saved.
The Gunners finally got their goal in the 36th minute, when Merino found Leandro Trossard with a superb pass that the Belgian controlled before hitting a shot on the turn that was deflected past Vicario by Micky van de Ven.
Having broken through, it took just five minutes for Mikel Arteta’s men to strike again, with Eze working space in Spurs’ box and hitting a shot that took a touch off Van de Ven again before getting past Vicario’s outstretched hand.
Not finished there, Eze collected Timber’s pass and picked out the bottom corner with a pinpoint finish within 40 seconds of the restart.
Spurs did regain some remnants of hope, though, as Joao Palhinha dispossessed Martin Zubimendi and Richarlison beat David Raya with an outrageous strike from range that was their first shot of the entire match.
There was still further frustration for the visitors as Romero received a booking for dissent, which keeps him out of the Fulham match.
Eze then downed them again for a dream hat-trick, as he collected Trossard’s pass and effortlessly sat down Udogie before finishing.
Eze had another attempt saved moments later, but his flair inspired more cheers from the home crowd as Arsenal made it 15 consecutive matches unbeaten across all competitions to go six points ahead at the top of the PL table.
In contrast, Spurs have won just one of their last five competitive fixtures, losing three of those and leaving them ninth for now.
