This is champion’s football – Gyokeres and Eze humiliated Spurs in the North London derby

It’s true that Arsenal and Tottenham are on two very different sides of the Premier League table, but the North London derby is always a derby, regardless of the clubs’ current form. However, today the standings were reflected on the pitch. After an uncertain first half that ended 1–1, the second half saw a total Arsenal rhapsody, with Gyokeres and Eze in particular delivering a significant victory for the Gunners over their big rivals.

Arsenal started the North London derby on the front foot, taking control early and creating several chances. In the 4th minute, Viktor Gyokeres found himself in the box and fired at goal, only for Dragusin to block the shot on the line. Just a minute later, Trossard unleashed a near half-field strike after Vicario had come off his line, but once again Dragusin cleared the danger at the last moment.

By the 7th minute, Arsenal were threatening again as Gyokeres made a solo run down the left wing, cut inside, and fired a shot that went just wide. In the 17th minute, the Gunners showcased a well-rehearsed set-piece move: after a corner, Swedish striker returned the ball from the far post to Saliba, whose header narrowly missed the target.

The breakthrough finally came in the 32nd minute. Saka brilliantly handled a challenge from Sarr, broke down the right flank, and delivered a precise cross into the box where Eze reacted quickly to finish, giving Arsenal a 1–0 lead.

Tottenham responded immediately, and only two minutes later, the home side equalized. An error from Declan Rice allowed Kolo Muani to gain possession and capitalize on the opportunity, slotting the ball past Raya to make it 1–1 and ignite the White Hart Lane crowd.

Arsenal continued to press and almost regained the lead in the 37th minute, when Bukayo Saka controlled a long ball and beat Van de Ven, finding himself one-on-one with Vicario, but the Tottenham goalkeeper made a crucial save. In the 40th minute, Trossard had another chance inside the box, his shot narrowly missing the target, though Arsenal ultimately won a corner after Vicario’s intervention.

The second half started with Tottenham immediately on the attack. Just twenty seconds after kickoff, Xavi Simons made a solo run, cut inside, and fired at goal, but Raya was perfectly positioned to make the save.

Arsenal quickly responded in the 47th minute, regaining the lead. Timber played a precise ball to Viktor Gyokeres, who controlled it around 18 metres out, took aim, and fired past Vicario to make it 2–1 for the Gunners, giving Mikel Arteta’s side a renewed advantage.

Tottenham almost leveled the score again in the 53rd minute as Kolo Muani found the net, but the referee ruled out the goal for a foul on Gabriel just before the shot.

Arsenal had another strong chance in the 59th minute. Bukayo Saka combined with Eze in a quick one-two and took a shot, but Vicario reacted reflexively to deny him.

In the 61st minute, Arsenal extended their lead. Eze scored again after a touch of fortune: Saka’s shot hit Vicario, then deflected off Dragusin to the striker, who calmly slotted the ball into an almost empty net, making it 3–1. From this point, Arsenal controlled the match, maintaining dominance and momentum.

Tottenham had a late opportunity in the 84th minute. Djed Spence delivered a cross into the box, and Richarlison brilliantly attempted a backheel finish that nearly beat Raya, but the Spanish goalkeeper made a remarkable save off the line, preserving Arsenal’s two-goal lead.

In the 88th minute, all Arsenal fans probably held their heads in fear – during a challenge on Xavi Simons, Saka went down and it looked like he might be seriously injured. Fortunately, he was able to leave the pitch on his feet, and the full extent of the issue will be revealed after the match.

As the icing on the cake and a magnificent victory, in the fourth minute of stoppage time we saw Arsenal’s fourth goal, with Viktor Gyokeres once again the scorer, breaking free from Tottenham’s defense and calmly beating Vicario to seal a convincing win.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 27

Saturday

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

/Abraham 88 - Stach 31/

Brentford - Brighton 0-2 (0-2)

/Gomez 30, Welbeck 45+1/

Chelsea - Burnley 1-1 (1-0)

/Pedro 4 - Flemming 90+3/

West Ham - Bournemouth 0-0

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

/O'Reilly 14, 27 - Hall 22/

Sunday

Crystal Palace - Wolverhampton 1-0 (0-0)

/Guessand 90/

Nott. Forest - Liverpool 0-1 (0-0)

/Mac Allister 90+7/

Sunderland - Fulham 1-3 (0-0)

/Le Fee 76 pen - Jimenez 54, 61 pen, Iwobi 85/

Tottenham - Arsenal 1-4 (1-1)

/Kolo Muani 34 - Eze 32, 61, Gyokeres 47, 90+4/

Monday

23.00: (3.80) Everton (3.70) Man.Utd. (2.00)

***odds are subject to change***