Eze thrashes Spurs at Emirates. This season Arteta’s boys are ready for the Title
Arteta’s boys dominated the match for 90 minutes. Never looked out of control, controlled the midfield, and won second balls. Eze was flawless, scored a hat-trick, and singlehandedly overplayed Spurs.
The defense was rock solid, except in one situation where a brilliant shot from Richarlison from far. Arsenal still managed to control the momentum after an unlucky goal.
Spurs never looked in the game in the opening minutes. They made a few chances, but never looked too dangerous for Arsenal.
Timeline
- 36’ GOAL!Trossard (Arsenal): Mikel Merino drops deep outside the box, spotting Trossard’s run and chipping a precise pass into his path. Trossard collects, turns back onto his left foot, and guides his shot inside the post, giving Arsenal the early lead at home.
- 41’ GOAL! Eze(Arsenal): Arsenal’s right flank terrorizes Spurs’ defense again. Timber pushes forward, Rice keeps pressure on, passing to Eze, who weaves through defenders and takes a shot that beats Vicario at the bottom-left corner for Arsenal’s second goal.
- 46’ GOAL! Eze(Arsenal): Just 35 seconds into the second half, Timber finds Eze again at the edge of the box. Eze turns away from Udogie and steers the ball into the bottom corner from 16 yards, completing a brace and putting Arsenal 3-0 up.
- 55’ GOAL!Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur): Palhinha tackles Zubimendi near the halfway line, and Richarlison spots Raya off his line. With an audacious effort from 40 yards out, he lobs the Arsenal keeper, putting Spurs on the scoresheet in style.
- 76’ GOAL!Eze (Arsenal): Trossard breaks in behind Tottenham’s back line and picks out Eze. The midfielder shifts past a sliding Udogie and whips his shot into the bottom corner, securing his hat-trick and sealing Arsenal’s dominant derby win.
Final Score: Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Tactical Breakdown
Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Spurs illustrated a masterclass in tactical execution from Mikel Arteta. The Gunners began aggressively, pressing high and trapping Spurs deep in their half. Declan Rice led the midfield press, forcing turnovers and allowing Arsenal’s full-backs to push up, pinning Spurs’ wingers back. As a result, Tottenham struggled to build any rhythm through midfield, often resorting to hopeful long balls that Arsenal’s centre-backs easily handled.
Arteta’s approach exploited Spurs’ defensive frailties. By overloading the flanks and quickly interchanging between Trossard, Saka, and Eberechi Eze, Arsenal stretched Tottenham’s back five. Eze drifted into pockets of space behind Spurs’ midfield, scoring twice before halftime with clever runs and clinical finishing. Whenever Spurs tried to break, Zubimendi and Rice cut out transitions, keeping possession and denying any momentum for Frank’s side.
Spurs’ manager responded in the second half by switching to a back four, hoping for a more direct approach. It backfired. Arsenal found even more freedom, with Saka and Tomiyasu combining well down the right, resulting in Eze’s hat-trick. Arteta’s creative substitutions, including Martinelli’s introduction, maintained intensity and pressed home the advantage.
Throughout the match, Arteta’s team was disciplined and ruthlessly efficient. They executed their tactical plan perfectly, outmanoeuvring Spurs in every key area. Frank’s side never settled; Arsenal’s pressure and movement overwhelmed them, making it a night of pain for the visitors and delight for the Gunners
Standout Performers
- Eberechi Eze – Eze was the centerpiece of Arsenal’s attack, scoring a brilliant hat-trick in the derby. His ability to find space between Tottenham’s lines was unmatched; he constantly received passes in dangerous areas, beat defenders with skill, and finished clinically. Eze’s movement pulled the Spurs’ back line apart, creating opportunities for himself and others. His performance radiated energy and confidence, justifying Arteta’s faith in his creative talent and positioning.
- Leandro Trossard – Trossard provided the spark that got Arsenal going, opening the scoring with a clever finish off Merino’s intelligent pass. He pressed relentlessly, ran at defenders, and linked up with Eze to torment Spurs’ wing-backs. Trossard’s direct style forced Tottenham into errors; his assist and movement made him vital in Arsenal’s tactical setup. He was always available, offering options on the break and chaos in the box.
- Mikel Merino– Merino was the tactical facilitator for Arsenal, dropping deep to dictate play and launch attacks. His passing range was evident, especially with the ball over the top for Trossard’s opener. Merino was fearless in midfield duels, winning tackles, and shaking off pressure before releasing teammates forward. His vision and composure kept Arsenal’s transitions smooth, nullifying Tottenham’s pressing and establishing midfield control.
Manager and Player Reaction
Mikel Arteta:
“I think he was incredible again. We are asking him to fill as a nine, and he’s not a nine. Such an intelligent player.”
“He gives you the right reason to trust him.”
Stats
Effects on the Premier League Table
Arsenal stays on top of the table. They got a good points gap cushion. This can be the year for Arsenal. Liverpool is dropping points, and Manchester City is not looking sharp. Only City can make a threat to them later in the season, but with this form and momentum, Arteta’s boys are the clear favourites.
After Matchday 12 Day 2, the table looks like this:
Fan Reactions
Conclusion
Arsenal are the favourites to win the title this season. The season is long, it’s high pressure on Arteta’s boys, and they will be crowned champions if they endure this and deliver consistently.
Despite some injuries, Arsenal is still looking very solid and very smooth in transitions. They got a very good bench, and Arteta will try to maintain this form.
