LONDON: Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze showed Tottenham what they missed out on with a brilliant hat-trick in a 4-1 north London derby demolition that bolstered the Premier League leaders’ title charge on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were too strong for timid Tottenham as Leandro Trossard and Eze netted in the first half at the Emirates Stadium.
Eze, who spurned Tottenham’s advances to join Arsenal in the close season, struck again in the second half.
Richarlison’s incredible long-range goal reduced the deficit, but it was no consolation as Eze completed his superb treble to fire the Gunners six points clear at the top. It was only the fourth north London derby hat-trick after Ted Drake, Terry Dyson and Alan Sunderland.
Arsenal’s 10-match winning streak was ended by Sunderland’s late equaliser in a 2-2 draw before the international break.
But Eze’s best performance since his £60 million ($78 million) move from Crystal Palace erased that bitter taste as Tottenham were put to the sword at the Emirates yet again.
The Gunners – unbeaten in the last seven north London derbies –have lost just once in 33 home meetings with their bitter rivals from the other end of the Seven Sisters Road.
Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions has reached 15 games, ensuring they took advantage of Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
With City spluttering and champions Liverpool in turmoil, Arsenal have a golden opportunity to end their wait for a first English title since 2004. – AFP
