Eberechi Eze scored a sensational hat-trick as Arsenal thumped Tottenham 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points after Manchester City's defeat at Newcastle.
The attacking midfielder, a boyhood Arsenal fan who rejoined the club from Crystal Palace in August for £60m, was in inspired form. His first goal came after Leandro Trossard had opened the scoring in the 36th minute, weaving through a crowded Spurs penalty area before firing home. The second and third were similar curlers from dangerous positions, leaving Spurs manager Thomas Frank with little answer.
Frank had switched to a back three at the start, seemingly accepting Spurs' role as underdogs, but the plan backfired. Arsenal dominated possession, and Spurs failed to register a single touch inside the opposition area in the first half. Trossard's opener was helped in by a Micky van de Ven deflection after a through ball from Mikel Merino, with Destiny Udogie playing the Belgian onside.
Eze made it 2-0 shortly before half-time, sparking fury from Van de Ven at his teammates. Frank introduced Xavi Simons at the break, but Eze struck again 36 seconds into the second half. Richarlison pulled one back with a stunning 45-yard lob over David Raya, but it was little consolation for Spurs, who have now taken just one point from their last three league games.
The victory was Arsenal's first serious statement in the title race, with Eze's hat-trick the highlight. The mural of Eze outside the Emirates, defaced by Tottenham fans after his transfer, has been restored with the caption 'All roads lead home'.
