Arsenal Dominates Tottenham in North London Derby
Arsenal enjoyed a remarkable weekend.
Just two weeks after a surprising draw against Sunderland reignited hope for their Premier League title rivals, Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham has reaffirmed their position at the top of the league.
Eberechi Eze, a summer target for Spurs, emerged as the star of the match, scoring his first senior hat-trick and the first in a North London derby since 1978. This commanding performance sends a clear message to the rest of the Premier League.
Following a day when defending champions Liverpool suffered their sixth defeat in seven matches and closest rivals Manchester City fell to Newcastle, Mikel Arteta's side capitalized on the opportunity, moving six points ahead of second-placed Chelsea.
This victory felt particularly significant against their fierce rivals, who had entered the match unbeaten on the road this season, despite missing key players such as Gabriel, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyökeres due to injuries.
Aside from Richarlison's stunning long-range goal that provided Tottenham with a consolation, the match was overwhelmingly one-sided. Arsenal registered 17 shots compared to Tottenham's mere three, with the visitors recording an expected goals (xG) of just 0.07.
"That is crazy. It was a special day for me and my family," Eze told BBC Match of the Day. "I never thought I could achieve this. I can only thank God. We were prepared for whatever setup they had because of the diligence of our staff. Huge credit to them, and of course, to our players—our ability and talent. We are a constant threat to score from any angle. I probably should have scored four. I’m always looking to take my chances; it’s important to be relentless."
Eze Makes North London Derby History
It was a memorable day for lifelong Arsenal supporter Eze. Before the match, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank jokingly responded with "who?" when asked about Eze's near transfer to Spurs over the summer—words that surely haunted him by the end of the game.
Scoring a senior hat-trick is a remarkable achievement in itself, but doing so in a Premier League North London derby adds a historic touch. Eze joined Arsenal for £67 million and is quickly establishing himself as a key player for manager Mikel Arteta.
Initially, there were concerns regarding Eze's fit within the squad, especially following Ødegaard's injury. However, Eze has seized his opportunity, showcasing his talent and adaptability. Although he took time to adjust to a different role than he had at Crystal Palace, he has already made significant contributions, including a crucial assist against Manchester City and a decisive goal against Palace.
Eze's unique style adds a new dimension to Arsenal's attacking front. With upcoming matches against Bayern Munich and Chelsea, he is poised to continue his impressive form.
Arteta commented, "He had two days off after the England camp, and by day one, he wanted to train. His desire to improve and ask questions is remarkable. When you combine such talent with a strong work ethic and a genuine joy for the game, you create a special player. When I spoke to Thomas Tuchel about him, he said Eze is one of the best he has seen. I consider him one of the most talented players around."
No English player has been involved in more goals than Eze in the Premier League this season, with only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo, and Antoine Semenyo surpassing his tally of 18 contributions (10 goals and 8 assists).
Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison praised Eze's performance, stating, "This is where his Arsenal career takes off."
Assessing Arsenal's Lead
While there are still 26 games remaining this season, a six-point lead at this juncture is noteworthy. This marks the fifth occasion Arsenal has topped the Premier League after 12 matches; however, they have failed to secure the title in the last three instances they led at this stage.
Notably, this is the largest lead they have held at this point in a Premier League campaign. Furthermore, no team has lost the title after leading by six points or more after 12 matches, although some teams have come from behind to claim the championship.
The pertinent question remains: how many teams have been six or more points behind after 12 games and still won the title? The answer is only five, with the most recent instance occurring in the 2013-14 season when Manchester City trailed Arsenal by six points.
Chelsea, currently in second place, is also a title contender, having won five of their last six league matches, including three consecutive victories without conceding for the first time since 2022. Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, sitting just behind Chelsea, are also in contention.
With Liverpool now trailing Arsenal by 11 points, Arne Slot's team faces a monumental challenge to reclaim the title. Historically, only two teams have overcome a seven-point deficit to win the league.
No Gabriel, No Problem
Arsenal supporters may have been concerned about the absence of their standout center-back, Gabriel, heading into the North London derby. The Brazilian has been a key figure in Arsenal's strong defensive performance this season, leading in aerial duels, clearances, and blocks.
Last season, Arsenal secured only four wins in 12 league matches when Gabriel and William Saliba did not start together. However, this season's squad, bolstered by a £250 million summer investment and the addition of eight new players, has demonstrated resilience.
One of the new arrivals, Piero Hincapie, who joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with a £52 million option for a permanent transfer, stepped in for Gabriel during the match. Hincapie's performance further underscores Arsenal's depth and adaptability.