LONDON, ENGLAND – Eberechi Eze etched his name into North London Derby folklore on Sunday, scoring a sensational first-ever career hat-trick to power Arsenal to a commanding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium. The result provides a major boost to Arsenal's title ambitions and sends a definitive statement in one of English football's most historic rivalries. For the thousands of passionate Arsenal supporters in Kenya, it was a moment of sheer elation.

The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle, as is customary when these two sides meet. The rivalry, which dates back to 1913 when Arsenal moved to North London, has always been fierce, a story of proximity and contested territory. Sunday’s clash, held on November 23, 2025, added another explosive chapter to the long-running saga.

Arsenal, looking to assert their dominance, found an early breakthrough before Eze seized control of the match. His first goal was a display of the technical brilliance that prompted Arsenal to secure his signature from Crystal Palace in a deal reportedly worth up to £67.5 million. Weaving through the Spurs defence, he fired a precise shot past a helpless Guglielmo Vicario. He doubled his tally before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give the Gunners a comfortable cushion.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, who had a formative spell in Arsenal's youth academy before being released at 13, completed his historic hat-trick in the second half, becoming the first Arsenal player to achieve the feat against Spurs since Alan Sunderland in 1978. Leandro Trossard added a fourth for Arsenal, while Richarlison netted a late consolation goal for a Spurs side that was thoroughly outplayed.

In his post-match comments, Eze described the moment as "special." The performance was a powerful vindication of his move to the Emirates, a transfer that saw him reportedly snub interest from Tottenham. Speaking after the match, Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario apologized to the travelling fans for a "very bad night," criticizing his team's "passive" approach to the crucial fixture.

Implications for Kenyan Fans and the Premier League

The English Premier League holds a special place in the hearts of Kenyan football enthusiasts, with clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham commanding massive and loyal followings across the country. Viewing centres from Nairobi to Eldoret would have been packed for the derby, a testament to the league's deep cultural penetration in Kenya. The nation's passion for the league is well-documented, with a significant number of viewers tuning in for every match week.

For Kenyan Arsenal fans, some of whom are members of officially recognized supporter clubs, Eze's performance is a moment to be savoured. His skill and dribbling prowess are qualities that excite fans globally, and this landmark achievement will undoubtedly make him a bigger hero among the Gooner faithful in East Africa. The victory not only provides bragging rights over their Spurs-supporting compatriots but also strengthens their belief in the team's quest for major honours under manager Mikel Arteta.

The result leaves Tottenham and their new manager, Thomas Frank, with serious questions to answer regarding their defensive frailties and inability to compete in high-stakes matches. As the Premier League season progresses, this derby will be remembered as a defining moment, one where a rising star in Eberechi Eze announced his arrival on one of football's grandest stages, leaving an indelible mark on a rivalry that captivates millions, both in North London and thousands of kilometres away in Kenya.