When Arsenal crushed Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025, it wasn’t just another derby win—it was a statement. Eberechi Eze, the unheralded midfielder with the footwork of a dancer and the finishing of a striker, scored a hat-trick that left Tottenham’s defense in ruins and the Premier League standings shaken. The final whistle blew at 90'+5, sealing Arsenal’s ninth win in 12 matches and extending their lead at the top to 29 points. For Tottenham, it was a familiar nightmare: another humiliating loss on the road, another night where the north London rivalry felt less like a contest and more like a coronation.
The Derby That Broke the Back of Tottenham’s Season
Before kickoff, Tottenham Hotspur entered the match with the best away record in the Premier League—only two points dropped in five road games. Meanwhile, Arsenal had won 10 of their last 16 home derbies at Emirates Stadium. The numbers didn’t lie. But no one expected Eberechi Eze to turn the game into his personal highlight reel.
His first goal came in the 22nd minute, a curling left-footed finish from outside the box after a slick one-two with Bukayo Saka. The second, in the 54th, was pure instinct—a rebound tapped in after Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario parried a Leandro Trossard shot. The third, in the 71st, was the dagger: a solo run from the halfway line, weaving through three defenders before slotting low past Vicario. The crowd roared. The away end fell silent. And Thomas Frank, Tottenham’s manager, could only stare blankly from the touchline.
Injuries, Lineups, and the Weight of Expectations
Arsenal played without their defensive anchor, Gabriel Magalhães, sidelined for weeks after a thigh injury during Brazil’s international duty. Striker Viktor Gyokeres and left-back Riccardo Calafiori were also doubtful—yet the team didn’t miss a beat. Declan Rice dominated midfield, Martin Zubimendi orchestrated play with quiet brilliance, and Jeremie Frimpong filled in admirably at right-back.
For Tottenham, the absence of Randal Kolo Muani—who’d returned from a head injury just in time—wasn’t the issue. The problem was structure. Cristian Romero and Van de Ven looked lost against Arsenal’s quick transitions. Xavi Simons had moments, but the midfield trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Palhinha, and Xavi Simons was overrun. Richarlison scored Tottenham’s lone goal in the 82nd minute, a consolation header after a rare set-piece break, but it felt hollow.
What This Means for the Title Race
With this win, Arsenal now lead the Premier League by six points over Chelsea and seven over Manchester City. They’ve gone 12 games without a defeat in the league. The only blemish? A 1-1 draw at Brighton. Otherwise, they’re clinical, balanced, and terrifyingly consistent.
But the real test comes next. On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, they host Bayern Munich in a Champions League clash that could define their European campaign. Then, just five days later, they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea—a game that could effectively seal the title if Arsenal win.
Tottenham’s Crisis of Confidence
Thomas Frank didn’t make excuses. But he didn’t offer solutions either. After the match, he told reporters, "We’re not broken. But we’re not good enough right now." It’s a rare moment of honesty from a manager who’s usually polished in his media appearances. The truth? Tottenham’s defensive shape has been porous all season. They concede from set pieces, from counters, from individual errors. And against elite teams, they fold.
Their next match—against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on November 26—is a nightmare fixture. PSG’s pace, their attacking depth, their confidence after winning the Champions League… it’s a perfect storm for a team already reeling. And then, just three days later, they host Fulham—a team they should beat, but haven’t looked capable of beating anyone convincingly lately.
A Legacy in the Making
Historically, Arsenal have dominated this fixture. NBC Sports noted that Tottenham haven’t won a league game at Emirates Stadium in 32 attempts. That’s not luck. That’s culture. That’s identity.
Eberechi Eze didn’t just score three goals—he announced himself. A player once written off as a squad option, now the man who outshone the league’s biggest stars. And for Arsenal, this wasn’t just a derby win. It was the moment they stopped being contenders and started being champions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Eberechi Eze’s hat-trick impact Arsenal’s title chances?
Eze’s hat-trick wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a psychological blow to the league. Arsenal now lead by six points with only three losses in 12 games. Eze’s emergence as a consistent goal threat means Arsenal no longer rely solely on Saka or Martinelli for creativity. His three goals came from different situations: long-range, rebound, and solo run. That versatility makes Arsenal’s attack unpredictable, and their 29 points are the highest in the league at this stage since Manchester City’s 2017-18 campaign.
Why is Tottenham’s away record misleading despite their 4-1 loss?
Tottenham’s away record looked strong because they beat mid-table teams like Everton and Wolves, and drew with top sides like Liverpool and Manchester United. But they’ve never won at Emirates Stadium since 2019. Their "strong" away form is built on resilience against weaker opponents—not elite ones. Against top-six teams this season, they’ve won just one of six away matches, and that was against a depleted West Ham side.
What’s the significance of Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League match against Bayern Munich?
The match on November 26, 2025, is a litmus test. Arsenal haven’t reached the Champions League knockout stage since 2021. Beating Bayern at home would prove they can compete with Europe’s elite, not just dominate domestically. Bayern, meanwhile, are rebuilding under Julian Nagelsmann and desperate for momentum. A win here would send a message: Arsenal aren’t just title contenders—they’re serious about winning it all.
Did injuries really affect Tottenham’s performance?
Not as much as people think. Randal Kolo Muani returned from injury, and Jean-Philippe Mateta played as starter. The real issue was tactical rigidity. Tottenham’s system relies on wing play and counterattacks, but Arsenal’s midfield controlled the tempo so completely that Tottenham couldn’t get into rhythm. The injuries were a factor, but not the cause of the collapse.
What’s next for Eberechi Eze after this performance?
Eze’s hat-trick has put him firmly in the conversation for Premier League Player of the Month—and possibly even a first England call-up. He’s now tied for the league’s top scorer among midfielders with seven goals in 12 games. With Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi creating space, Eze is becoming Arsenal’s most lethal finisher. His contract expires in 2027, and clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United are already monitoring him closely.
How does this result compare to past North London derbies?
This was Arsenal’s biggest derby win since the 5-0 thrashing in 2004. It’s the first time since 2008 that a single player has scored a hat-trick in the fixture. The 4-1 margin is the largest at Emirates Stadium since 2013. And for Tottenham, it’s their worst defeat in the derby since 2016. The psychological gap between the two clubs has widened significantly, with Arsenal now winning 10 of the last 11 derbies in all competitions.