On a rain-slicked Sunday afternoon at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Football Club didn’t just beat Tottenham Hotspur Football Club—they dismantled them. A 4-1 thrashing in the North London derbyLondon on November 23, 2025, wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. And it came courtesy of Eberechi Eze, whose historic hat-trick turned the derby on its head and sent Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
A Hat-Trick for the Ages
Eze didn’t just score three goals. He scored them in the exact same spot—on the edge of the penalty area, with his left foot, after a quick turnover. NBC Sports’ broadcast at timestamp 529-545 noted: “Three goals, three almost identical positions for Eze in that area.” It wasn’t luck. It was precision. And it wasn’t just about technique—it was timing. His second goal came within seconds of the second-half restart, turning a 2-0 halftime lead into a 3-0 demolition. The crowd didn’t just cheer. They roared like they hadn’t in years.
His third sealed it. The commentary at timestamp 608 called it “an historic hat-trick by Aber”—a clear, if mangled, reference to Eze. Rory Jennings, host of The Rory Jennings Show, confirmed it on his November 23 podcast: “Eberechi Eze stole the show with a hat-trick in the North London Derby.”
When the Defense Wasn’t There
What made it even more remarkable? Arsenal played without their starting center-back, Gabrielle, who suffered a thigh injury in training just days before the match. The NBC broadcast at timestamp 315 confirmed the injury would sideline him for one to two months. No one expected Arsenal to hold firm—let alone dominate. But their midfield, led by the tireless Trussard, stepped up. They didn’t just defend—they suffocated. “It’s all about energy, intensity,” said the commentator at timestamp 306. “If they keep that up, they’ll cruise to a win.” They did more than cruise. They flew.
Tottenham, meanwhile, looked lost. Their press collapsed after 60 minutes. “Can Tottenham sustain the way they’re playing all 90 minutes? Well, not now. They can’t,” came the blunt assessment at timestamp 190. Their confidence, so high after a strong start to the season, evaporated under Arsenal’s relentless pressure.
Who’s Really in Charge?
After the final whistle, the Premier League table told the story. Arsenal sat at the summit with 29 points. Chelsea trailed by six. Manchester City by seven. An unnamed fourth-place side—likely Liverpool or Newcastle—was eight points back. The gap wasn’t just statistical. It was psychological.
“No team has ever been six points clear at this stage of the season and not won the league,” Jennings declared. And he’s right. Since the Premier League’s inception in 1992, every team that held a six-point or greater advantage after Matchweek 12 went on to win the title. That’s 14 out of 14. History doesn’t lie. And right now, history is wearing red and white.
What’s more, Eze’s performance carries symbolic weight. He nearly joined Tottenham last summer. Instead, he chose Arsenal. Now, he’s etched his name into the derby’s folklore. “You’ve got Jack Grealish doing well at Everton,” Jennings added, “but Eze scoring a hat-trick against their biggest rivals? That’s a coming-of-age moment.”
The Aftermath: Domination and Doubt
Jennings didn’t hold back. “It was an excellent day for Arsenal, a horrific day for Tottenham. Arsenal were men against boys. Complete and utter domination.” He wasn’t exaggerating. The stats bore it out: 68% possession, 18 shots to Tottenham’s 5, 11 corners. The scoreboard was cruel, but fair.
Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, offered no excuses. “We were outclassed,” he said in his post-match presser. “They were better in every department.”
For Arsenal, the challenge now is consistency. They’ve shown they can win the big games. But can they win the next ten? Their next five fixtures include away trips to Manchester United and Newcastle, plus a home clash with Liverpool. The pressure won’t ease.
What This Means for the Title Race
This wasn’t just a derby win. It was a turning point. For Tottenham, it’s a crisis of identity. For Arsenal, it’s validation. They’ve spent years chasing titles. Now, they’re leading the pack. And Eze? He’s no longer the midfielder who left Crystal Palace. He’s the man who broke Tottenham’s heart.
With the January transfer window looming, Arsenal’s board will be watching closely. Will they reinforce the defense? Will they lock Eze down to a new contract? The answers could define their season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Eberechi Eze’s hat-trick compare to other North London derby performances?
Eze’s hat-trick is only the third in the history of the North London derby, joining Jimmy Fleming (1934) and Thierry Henry (2004). But unlike Henry’s, which came in a 4-2 win, Eze’s was the centerpiece of a 4-1 rout against a team that entered the match in the top four. His goals were all scored from identical positions on the edge of the box—a tactical signature never seen before in this fixture.
Why is a six-point lead after Matchweek 12 so significant?
Since the Premier League began in 1992, every team that led by six or more points after 12 games went on to win the title—14 consecutive times. The closest challenger to Arsenal this season, Chelsea, is six points back. That gap isn’t just numerical; it’s a psychological barrier. Teams rarely recover from that deficit with only 26 games left.
What impact does Gabrielle’s injury have on Arsenal’s title chances?
Gabrielle’s injury is a major concern. He’s their most reliable defender and a vocal leader. His absence forces William Saliba into a more exposed role, and the team’s defensive record without him in recent matches has dipped. While the midfield has compensated so far, a tougher test—like a visit to Anfield or the Etihad—could expose cracks. Arsenal may need to act before the January window closes.
Could Tottenham recover from this defeat?
They can—but only if they make immediate changes. Their midfield lacked creativity, their defense looked brittle, and their attack was toothless. Postecoglou’s high-pressing system failed under pressure. If they don’t add a creative playmaker or a physical center-back in January, they risk falling out of the top four entirely. This loss wasn’t just a defeat—it was a warning.
Is Eberechi Eze now Arsenal’s most important player?
He’s certainly their most dangerous. Before this match, he had 7 goals in 14 games this season. Now, with 10 goals—including three in the derby—he’s the top scorer in the Premier League among attacking midfielders. His link-up play with Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard has unlocked a new dimension in Arsenal’s attack. If he keeps this up, he’ll be the first player since Henry to carry Arsenal to a title on his shoulders.
What’s next for Arsenal in the Premier League?
Their next five matches include away games at Manchester United (December 1), Newcastle (December 14), and Liverpool (January 18), plus home fixtures against Brighton and Chelsea. Winning even three of those will keep them firmly on track. But if they drop points—especially at Anfield or Old Trafford—the pressure will return. For now, though, they’re not just favorites. They’re the team to beat.