In a stunning display of footballing prowess, Arsenal's Eberechi Eze led his team to a resounding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Sunday. The English midfielder, who joined the Gunners for £60 million from Crystal Palace in August, scored his first-ever career hat-trick in what he described as a 'special' moment.
A Derby Day Masterclass
The match at the Emirates Stadium was effectively decided by Eze's brilliance. The rout began with an opening goal from Leandro Trossard, setting the stage for Eze to take over. The 27-year-old proceeded to tear the Tottenham defence to shreds with three clinical finishes, showcasing the talent that Arsenal had once overlooked when he was a teenager.
This performance was a significant turnaround for Eze, who had managed only two goals in his first 15 appearances for Arsenal since his big-money move. Against the very club he rejected to join Mikel Arteta's project, Eze delivered a sublime man-of-the-match display that fired Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Faith and Family: The Inspiration Behind the Performance
After the match, a jubilant Eze revealed the source of his inspiration. A devoutly religious man, he attributed his historic performance to his faith. "I prayed for it. This is what I pray for. I prayed for a hat-trick so I am grateful to God," Eze stated. He emphasized that his faith was rewarded, saying, "That was the prayer today. God gave it to me and that is faith, man."
He also highlighted how having his family in attendance made the achievement even more memorable. When asked to choose his favourite goal, Eze selected his second strike, a sharp finish that came just 35 seconds after the half-time interval, effectively killing off any hope of a Tottenham comeback.
Historic Feat and Title Implications
Eze's hat-trick was not just a personal triumph but a historic one for the club. It was the first hat-trick in a North London derby since 1978 and only the fourth in the long and bitter history of this fixture.
The result provides a massive boost to Arsenal's quest for a first English league title since 2004, especially after finishing as runners-up in the previous three seasons. Eze's breakout performance signals that his integration into the team is complete, and he is now firmly established as one of English football's elite talents.
