Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres both scored twice as Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1 to restore a five-point lead at the Premier League summit.
Arsenal restored a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a commanding 4-1 win away to Tottenham Hotspur. The north London derby swung decisively Arsenal’s way after half-time. Eberechi Eze tormented Spurs once more with two goals. Viktor Gyokeres added a brace of his own.
The pressure was firmly on Arsenal before kick-off. They had dropped points at Wolves in midweek. Manchester City had also closed the gap with a win on Saturday. Spurs, under interim boss Igor Tudor, hoped to exploit any nerves.
Arsenal settled quickly in a hostile atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Gyokeres went close early with a rising effort from distance. Spurs struggled to escape their half as Arsenal dominated possession. The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute.
Bukayo Saka forced his way down the right and the ball broke kindly for Eze. He reacted sharply and finished from close range. It was Eze’s first league goal since November. Arsenal’s control looked complete.
The home side responded almost immediately. Randal Kolo Muani capitalised on a rare error from Declan Rice. He drove into the box and fired past David Raya. Spurs were level at 1-1 just two minutes later.
That goal briefly lifted the crowd. Spurs finished the half with more intent and belief. Arsenal, though, still carried the greater threat. Guglielmo Vicario denied Saka before the break to keep scores level.
Any Spurs momentum disappeared moments after half-time. Arsenal regained the lead in the 47th minute. Jurrien Timber picked out Gyokeres on the edge of the area. The striker was given space and punished Spurs with a powerful 20-yard finish.
Spurs tried to respond but lacked quality in the final third. Kolo Muani thought he had equalised again. His effort was ruled out for a push on Gabriel. Arsenal sensed weakness and pressed on.
The decisive third goal arrived on 61 minutes. Spurs failed to clear their lines and Eze pounced. He swept the ball past Vicario to make it 3-1. The away end erupted as Spurs visibly wilted.
Arsenal managed the remainder of the game with composure. Gyokeres added a fourth in stoppage time. He outmuscled Archie Gray and finished low into the corner. The scoreline reflected Arsenal’s dominance.
Arsenal attempted 20 shots to Spurs’ five. The visitors also won the expected goals battle by 1.93 to 0.76. Eze now has five Premier League goals against Spurs this season. Only two Arsenal players have ever scored more in this fixture.
Gyokeres recorded his best league display for the club. His movement troubled Spurs throughout. Raya also made key saves late on to preserve control.
Eze’s impact was decisive once again in this derby. His timing in the box punished Spurs errors. Gyokeres delivered when pressure was highest. Arsenal’s response after recent setbacks will please Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal host Chelsea next Sunday as the title race intensifies. They sit five points clear, though City have a game in hand. Spurs remain 16th, four points above the relegation zone. Tudor now faces a difficult trip to Fulham in his second match.
