Eberechi Eze expressed his delight after scoring a hat-trick in Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the North London derby. This win allowed Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League
by six points. Eze, who joined Arsenal in August despite interest from Spurs, scored twice around half-time and sealed the win with a third goal, ending Tottenham's comeback hopes.
Arsenal's triumph was marked by Leandro Trossard opening the scoring before Eze took centre stage. Richarlison managed to score for Spurs from 40 yards, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome. Eze became only the fourth player to achieve a hat-trick in this historic derby and the first to do so in a Premier League match.
Upon learning of his achievement, Eze told BBC Match of the Day: "That is crazy. It's a special day man. A special day for me and for my family. I don't think I could've ever dreamt of it. This is more special than that. I can only thank God. " His performance was praised as he credited both his teammates and coaching staff for their preparation and talent.
Eze's hat-trick was significant not just for its impact on the match but also because it marked the 400th hat-trick in Premier League history. He became Arsenal's 23rd different player to achieve this feat, highlighting the club's rich history of prolific scorers.
Reflecting on his performance, Eze said, "I probably should've scored four to be honest. I'm always trying to score, always trying to take my chances. " He emphasised the importance of being relentless and focused on daily efforts rather than relying on luck for such performances.
The previous players who have scored hat-tricks in this fixture include Ted Drake (for Arsenal in October 1934), Terry Dyson (for Spurs in August 1961), and Alan Sunderland (for Arsenal in December 1978). Eze now joins this exclusive list with his remarkable display against Tottenham.
This victory not only solidified Arsenal's position at the top but also showcased their attacking prowess. The team's ability to threaten from various angles was evident throughout the match, contributing significantly to their success.
