North London belongs to Arsenal and Eze! Gunners' #10 ruins Spurs with a hat-trick!

Thomas Frank wanted to defend and, for the first time since the clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, opted for a formation with three centre-backs: Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven. But it brought him nothing except suffering and embarrassment, because rare are defences that can stop Arsenal this season!

Tottenham did score from their maiden shot on goal behind Richarlison's absolute banger from almost the halfway line (?!), but the problem was that it happened in the 56th minute!

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By that moment, Spurs had already conceded three goals - Leandro Trossard's 36th-minute opener and Eberechi Eze's brace (41st and 46th minutes) - and the eventual comeback was a genuine uphill battle, which the visitors couldn't win.

On the contrary, they conceded another goal in the 76th minute when Eze completed a hat-trick - fourth in the history of the North London Derby - to Trossard's assist, setting the final score - 4-1!

In the end, Frank's defensive experiment became a complete fiasco, while Arsenal continued to march towards the Premier League title, extending their lead over the second-placed Chelsea to six points.

Fire on the pitch, immense desire in the players' hearts, but little concrete chances - at least during the majority of the opening period. That was the brief summary of the first half at Emirates.

Three minutes into the game, Declan Rice had a colossal opportunity following Eberechi Eze's tremendous pass, but Guglielmo Vicario managed to stop the Englishman's close-range volley.

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Arsenal were firmly in control of the match, as Tottenham barely reached the home team's box. Still, the visitors didn't give in. But then came the 36th minute and the Gunners' five-minute blitzkrieg.

In the 36th minute, Mikel Merino sent a miraculous pass into Spurs' area, where Leandro Trossard picked it up, found himself in a tricky position, but still managed to pass the ball behind Vicario's back and cause an erruption at the Emirates!

However, that was just the start...

Five minutes later, Rice stole the ball in Tottenham's half, instantly passed it to Eze, who hit the mark with a sharp strike, doubling Arsenal's lead!

Even though Mikel Arteta's crew didn't create many chances, they absolutely demolished the rivals in the first 45 minutes, as Spurs had only 32% possession and no shots on goal! On the other hand, the Gunners had eight attempts (four on target), so Thomas Frank could even be happy his lads were just 2-0 down at the break.

Danso stayed in the locker room at halftime, and Xavi Simons took his place, hinting at Spurs much more offensive approach in the second 45 minutes. However, just 35 seconds following Michael Oliver's first "post-break" whistle, Eze completed a brace, making it 3-0 and prolonging Tottenham's agony!

However, the visitors weren't ready to give up yet, and the Gunners slightly helped them regain confidence. Martin Zubimendi lost the ball to Joao Palhinha near the halfway line, it came to Richarlison, who took a shot from over 40 meters, and stunned David Raya, scoring from Tottenham's first attempt in the game!

The Brazilian's goal did boost Spurs confidence, as they started showing some signs of life, but the rivals were still two goals up, and it was the advantage immensely hard to catch up, especially against Arsenal.

Yet, the wings Frank's men got were definitely crushed fourteen minutes before the end by the merciless Eze, who completely destroyed the fierce rivals, bagging the fourth hat-trick in the history of the North London Derby!

This crushing victory increased Arsenal's lead over the second-placed Chelsea to six points, while Spurs are only ninth at the moment. The scent of the title can be smelled at Emirates, but it's still too early to celebrate.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - ROUND 12

Saturday

Burnley - Chelsea 0-2 (0-1)

/Neto 37, Fernandez 88/

Bournemouth - West Ham 2-2 (0-2)

/Tavernier 69 pen, Unal 81 - Wilson 11, 35/

Brighton - Brentford 2-1 (0-0)

/Welbeck 71, Hinshelwood 84 - Thiago 29 pen/

Fulham - Sunderland 1-0 (0-0)

/Jimenez 84/

Liverpool - Nottingham Forest 0-3 (0-1)

/Murillo 33, Savona 46, Gibbs-White 78/

Wolverhampton - Crystal Palace 0-2 (0-0)

/Munoz 63, Pino 69/

Newcastle - Manchester City 2-1 (0-0)

/Barnes 63, 70 - Dias 68/

Sunday

Leeds - Aston Villa 1-2 (1-0)

/Nmecha 8 - Rogers 48, 75/

Arsenal - Tottenham 4-1 (2-0)

/Trossard 36, Eze 41, 46, 76 - Richarlison 56/

Monday

23.00: (1.80) Man.Utd. (3.70) Everton (5.00)

***odds are subject to change***