- Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham : Trossard 36’, Eze 41’, 46’, 71’ – Richarlison 55’
Arsenal made light work of Tottenham, dismantling a Spurs side that seemed more focused on not losing than on competing. Summer signing Eberechi Eze delivered a stunning hat-trick, while Richarlison provided the lone response for the visitors.
But can this still be called a derby? A matchup of this kind is supposed to carry balance, tension, and parity. Instead, since the 2022–2023 season, Arsenal have won five of their last six meetings with Tottenham, displaying calm control while their rivals show resignation. Arteta’s side continues to grow, while Spurs remain in search of identity, cycling through managers — with Thomas Frank now tasked with solving a complicated equation.
Setting up in a compact 5-2-3, Tottenham’s plan was to limit Arsenal’s crossing game, especially Saka’s delivery from the right. But maintaining a three-center-back line requires perfect coordination, and a misalignment from Udogie allowed Trossard to open the scoring, assisted by a sublime chipped pass from Mikel Merino. By defending too deep, Spurs left the edge of their box exposed, and Eberechi Eze punished them again, finding space between the lines to double the lead.
Tottenham, shell-shocked, conceded two more goals to the man who could have joined them last summer. Richarlison did pull one back after a sloppy first touch from Zubimendi, producing a brilliant lob that will rank among the season’s best goals.
With another emphatic win, Arsenal move six points clear of Chelsea and strengthen their grip on the title race. Their upcoming trip to Stamford Bridge now carries massive implications.