Arsenal delivered a stunning performance at Emirates Stadium, demolishing arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the North London Derby on November 23, 2025. Eberechi Eze’s sensational hat-trick – the first in this fixture since 1978 – sent the Gunners six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, reinforcing their title credentials in spectacular fashion.
Table of Contents
- Eze’s Historic Hat-Trick Performance
- Trossard Opens the Scoring
- Arsenal’s First-Half Dominance
- Richarlison’s Wonder Goal
- Tottenham’s Tactical Collapse
- Impact on Premier League Title Race
- Key Stats and Records
- Summary
Eze’s Historic Hat-Trick Performance
Eberechi Eze announced himself in the North London Derby with a performance that will be remembered for generations. The £60 million summer signing from Crystal Palace scored three magnificent goals, becoming only the fourth player to achieve this feat in the storied rivalry. Eze’s hat-trick was particularly sweet as he had been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham before choosing Arsenal.
The midfielder’s first goal came in the 40th minute when he received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot past Guglielmo Vicario. His second arrived just 35 seconds into the second half, showcasing his clinical finishing as he curled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner. Eze completed his treble in the 76th minute, shifting past a sliding Destiny Udogie before whipping his shot home with confidence.
Trossard Opens the Scoring
Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a moment of quality that set the tone for Arsenal’s dominant display. Mikel Merino dropped deep into midfield, pulling defenders forward before delivering a perfectly weighted pass over the top. Udogie’s lapse in concentration played Trossard onside, and the Belgian controlled the ball before firing a deflected shot past Vicario via Micky van de Ven.
Trossard’s contribution extended beyond his goal. He was instrumental throughout the match, creating spaces and providing the assist for Eze’s third goal with a brilliant run in behind the Tottenham defense. His partnership with Eze proved devastating for Thomas Frank’s side.
Arsenal’s First-Half Dominance
Arsenal controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, with Tottenham failing to register a single shot in the first 45 minutes. Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession and created numerous chances, forcing Vicario into several important saves before Trossard’s opener.
The Gunners’ high press suffocated Tottenham’s attempts to build from the back, with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice controlling the midfield battle. Bukayo Saka tormented the Spurs left flank, while Jurrien Timber’s overlapping runs from right-back provided additional width. By halftime, Arsenal had completely dismantled their rivals’ game plan.
Richarlison’s Wonder Goal
Richarlison provided Tottenham’s only moment of brilliance in an otherwise forgettable afternoon. In the 55th minute, after João Palhinha tackled Zubimendi near the halfway line, the Brazilian spotted David Raya off his line and executed a stunning 40-yard lob that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net.
The goal briefly gave Tottenham hope, reducing the deficit to 3-1, but Arsenal’s quality proved too much. Richarlison’s moment of magic was Spurs’ first and only shot on target, highlighting their complete inability to threaten Arsenal’s defense throughout the 90 minutes.
Tottenham’s Tactical Collapse
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank faced severe criticism for his ultra-defensive approach, deploying a back-five formation at the Emirates. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was scathing in his assessment, accusing the visitors of showing “no courage” and delivering a “basic” performance that betrayed their top-four ambitions.
Captain Cristian Romero struggled to organize the defense, while Kevin Danso was substituted at halftime after a dismal first-half display. Tottenham’s inability to get past the halfway line for extended periods exposed the limitations of Frank’s conservative strategy. The manager apologized to fans after the match, acknowledging his team’s toothless display.
Impact on Premier League Title Race
Arsenal’s emphatic victory sends them six points clear of second-placed Chelsea at the Premier League summit with the two sides set to clash at Stamford Bridge next Sunday. The Gunners have now won four consecutive North London Derbies, establishing clear psychological dominance over their bitter rivals.
Arteta’s side boasts 29 points from 11 matches, maintaining their perfect home record. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher declared that “the only team that can stop Arsenal winning the Premier League is Arsenal,” highlighting their impressive form and consistency. Chelsea and Manchester City will need to maintain flawless runs to keep pace with the rampant Gunners.
Key Stats and Records
- Eberechi Eze became the first player to score a hat-trick in the North London Derby since Alan Sunderland in 1978
- Arsenal’s 4-1 victory equals their joint-biggest Premier League win over Tottenham
- Tottenham’s first shot came in the 55th minute, their latest in a Premier League match this season
- Arsenal have won their last four meetings with Spurs in all competitions
- Eze’s £60 million transfer from Crystal Palace now looks like excellent business
- Arsenal have scored 12 goals in their last three Premier League home games
- Richarlison’s 40-yard goal was Tottenham’s only shot on target
- Arsenal’s six-point lead is their biggest margin at the top this season
Summary
Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur showcased their Premier League title credentials in devastating fashion. Eberechi Eze’s historic hat-trick, combined with Leandro Trossard’s opener, sealed a comprehensive victory that extended the Gunners’ lead at the top to six points. The match at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2025, saw Arsenal dominate from start to finish, with Tottenham managing just one shot on target – Richarlison’s spectacular 40-yard lob.
Tottenham’s defensive approach backfired spectacularly as Thomas Frank’s side showed no attacking ambition, drawing severe criticism from pundits and fans alike. The visitors’ fourth consecutive defeat in the North London Derby leaves them trailing in fifth place while Arsenal march confidently toward what could be their first Premier League title since 2004. With Chelsea awaiting at Stamford Bridge next weekend, the Gunners will aim to maintain their impressive momentum in the title race.
