Arsenal arrived at the Emirates with the weight of expectation that always comes with a North London Derby, and they left having delivered a performance that was as commanding as it was complete. From the first whistle, it was clear that Arsenal had come to control every moment of the match, leaving Tottenham chasing shadows for much of the afternoon.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Leandro Trossard finished with composure from a precise through-ball, breaking Tottenham’s defensive structure and setting the tone for the rest of the game. Arsenal quickly reinforced their dominance just before half-time, when Eberechi Eze calmly placed the ball past Guglielmo Vicario, doubling the lead and giving the home crowd a glimpse of what was to come.
Arsenal’s intensity only increased after the break. Within seconds of the second half, Eze struck again, exploiting the spaces behind Spurs’ defence with a precise finish. Tottenham managed a brief moment of hope when Richarlison lobbed David Raya from distance, but it was only a pause in Arsenal’s relentless control. Later in the match, Eze completed his hat-trick with another composed strike, sealing the result and underlining the comprehensive nature of Arsenal’s dominance.
Tottenham struggled to respond. Thomas Frank’s decision to start with a back three in an attempt to contain Arsenal’s fluid attack did little to slow the home side. Even switching to a back four at half-time failed to stem the tide. Spurs were outplayed in midfield, unable to impose themselves, and rarely threatened the Arsenal goal beyond Richarlison’s effort.
Arsenal’s performance was measured yet ruthless. Their midfield dictated the pace of the game, their attack moved with purpose, and their defence remained alert to the few moments Tottenham managed to create. The win extends their lead at the top of the Premier League and reinforces the impression that Arsenal are capable of controlling the narrative of even the fiercest fixtures.
By the final whistle, Arsenal had made their statement. Tottenham were left searching for answers, Arsenal had executed their plan with precision, and the Emirates was a reminder of why the North London Derby carries stakes far beyond three points. The margin of victory, the composure on display, and the brilliance of Eze in particular all made it clear: on this day, Arsenal dominated the derby in every sense.
