Eberechi Eze scored his first hat-trick in the Premier League in the history of the North London derby since 1978, thereby inspiring Arsenal to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 and consolidate their top position.
After the two championship candidates Liverpool and Manchester City both stumbled, Arsenal entered the match with a golden opportunity to break away. And they didn't miss it. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 36th minute, before Eze completely took the spotlight with a brilliant performance, scoring 3 goals to create a historic milestone in the North London derby.
Tottenham - the team he chased Eze before he left Crystal Palace in August - could not put enough pressure on their opponents. Richarlison's stunning long-range shot was only honorary and could not hide Spurs' inferiority for most of their playing time.
This convincing victory helped Arsenal get closer to their first Premier League title since 2004. Mikel Arteta and his team's next challenge will be a trip to Chelsea, who have just risen to second place after a 2-0 victory over Burnley.
Arsenal affirms championship ambition
Weeks when direct competitors are in decline always have special meaning. Mikel Arteta stressed that importance in the last time both Liverpool and Man City lost in October, and Arsenal once again took full advantage of the opportunity.
The Citizens' collapse against Newcastle just a few hours after Liverpool were unexpectedly defeated by Nottingham Forest at Anfield opened up a golden opportunity for Arsenal to widen the gap to 6 points compared to Chelsea at the top of the table. In the past, this was often the type of opportunity that the "Gunners" dropped, but this time everything is different.
The atmosphere before the match was pushed to the maximum. A giant ticket with the image of Arsenal legends from many generations is held up as the players step onto the field. A comprehensive video with brilliant fireworks displays makes the Emirates more exciting than ever.
Arsenal knew the opportunity was ahead and did what they needed, creating a seven-point gap with Man City and an 11-point gap with defending champions Liverpool.
November cannot guarantee anything, but there is no denying that the "Gunners" are the strongest candidate for the first Premier League title since 2004. Their dominance in the North London derby was also extended. Arsenal have lost just one home game to Spurs in 32 years and that defeat has come since 2010.
Eze's mark
Perhaps Eze becoming the deciding factor in this match is almost inevitable.
The 27-year-old midfielder was close to joining Tottenham in the summer, before a call to Mikel Arteta completely changed the situation.
With Kai Havertz suffering from a serious hamstring injury and forcing Arsenal to look back at the transfer market, Arteta quickly reassured Eze that the team would send an official offer. As a loyal supporter of the "Gunners", Eze expressed his wishes for Crystal Palace, and the negotiations went smoothly for him to move to the Emirates.
Spurs' plans were completely ruined, and they were instead forced to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. The loss of Eze at that time really caused Tottenham pain, and the last match only repaired the wound.
All three of Eze's goals were excellent. Arsenal's number 10 became the first player to score a hat-trick in a North London derby since Alan Sunderland in 1978, and only the fourth person in history to do so. This is another testament to Arsenal's incredible squad depth, and at the same time a brutal reminder for Spurs about what they missed out on.
