Eze hat-trick inspires Arsenal to victory in North London Derby

It was a dream North London Derby debut for Arsenal number 10 Eberechi Eze, who’s clinical first career hattrick earned him the match ball and his team a massive three points to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Following Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park, Arsenal came into the capital clash full of belief that they could make a statement with a win to stamp their authority on the rest of the league. Bitter rivals Spurs arrived on enemy territory ready to spoil the Gunner’s day, having not lost a league match away from home under Thomas Frank.

It was the home side that set the early tempo, dominating possession whilst Spurs chose to sit behind the ball with their back five; an interesting choice from Frank, sacrificing creativity for the sake of defensive solidity.  Their conservative approach was undone in the 36th minute, when Leandro Trossard latched onto a lovely chipped through ball from makeshift centre forward Mikel Merino to bundle the ball home.

Eze then wrapped up the game with a clinical finish to complete a memorable derby debut

What followed can only be described as the Eberechi Eze show.  Two superbly taken goals either side of halftime saw the man who snubbed Spurs for the red side of North London in the summer fire the Gunners into a 3-0 lead, to the delight of an exuberant, bouncing Emirates.

After the break there was a slither of hope, and something to cheer about for the now diffusely populated away end. Spurs ace Richarlison, already the pantomime villain of the occasion as a result of several off the ball scuffles with the Arsenal defence, latched on to a rare mistake in possession from Martin Zubimendi.  The Brazilian executed a perfectly precise first time finish to lob a backpedalling David Raya from 40 yards, and cut the deficit to just two goals with 35 minutes to play.

However, Eze then wrapped up the game with another clinical finish from the edge of the 18 yard box to complete his hattrick in a memorable derby debut.  The full time whistle was met with a raucous reception from the home faithful, following a win that moved the Gunners 6 points clear of second place Chelsea.

Spurs will be hoping to turn their fortunes around

Arsenal have kept on soaring since, posing some tough questions for the chasing pack. Can anyone stop Arteta from leading his team to a first league title in over 20 years?  They currently stand as the clear favourites to lift the trophy in May, and, with Manchester City faltering, have a golden opportunity to push on through December and extend their lead.

Beaten comfortably in their biggest game of the season to date, Spurs will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and face the challenge of not only climbing the table, but also getting the fans onboard with Frank’s footballing philosophy.