In a spectacular display of football mastery, Arsenal delivered a stunning 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the highly anticipated North London derby on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The match will be remembered for Eberechi Eze's magnificent hat-trick that propelled the Gunners to a commanding six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Derby Dominance at Emirates Stadium
The match began with both teams showing intense energy, but it was Arsenal who struck first when Leandro Trossard found the net in the 36th minute. The opening goal set the stage for what would become Eze's personal showcase. Just five minutes after Trossard's breakthrough, the England playmaker scored his first goal of the evening in the 41st minute, sending Arsenal into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
The second half began in spectacular fashion for the home supporters as Eze scored his second goal within a minute of restart, slotting home a clinical left-footed finish that left Tottenham's defense bewildered. The quick succession of goals effectively put the game beyond Tottenham's reach early in the second period.
Tottenham's Consolation and Eze's Final Flourish
Tottenham managed a moment of brilliance amid their struggles when Richarlison scored a spectacular consolation goal. The Brazilian forward spotted Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya off his line and executed a perfect chip from approximately 45 yards out, making the score 3-1 at the time and briefly giving Spurs hope.
However, Eze had the final say, completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a beautifully curled shot that sealed Arsenal's comprehensive victory. The timing was particularly significant as it came exactly three months after Eze joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace for a reported initial fee of £60 million ($80 million). The transfer adds an intriguing subplot given that Tottenham had been in talks to sign the playmaker earlier in the summer transfer window.
Premier League Implications
The victory created the perfect weekend for Arsenal, who had watched their two main title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool both lose on Saturday. The results have reshaped the Premier League landscape, with Chelsea now emerging as Arsenal's closest challenger in second place.
After 12 games played in the season, Arsenal has established themselves as strong favorites to win their first top-flight league title since the legendary 2003-04 Invincibles season. The six-point cushion provides significant momentum as the team approaches the busy winter fixture schedule.
Key match statistics:
- Eze's hat-trick marked his first for Arsenal since joining from Crystal Palace
- Arsenal now leads the Premier League by six points
- The victory extends Arsenal's unbeaten run in derby matches
- Tottenham's Richarlison scored the goal of the game with his long-range chip
The result represents a significant statement of intent from Mikel Arteta's side, demonstrating both their title credentials and their dominance in one of English football's most fiercely contested local rivalries. For Tottenham, the defeat raises questions about their defensive solidity and ability to compete against top-tier opposition this season.
