Arsenal need to play to Eze’s qualities: Arteta

Mikel Arteta said Eberechi Eze’s brilliant hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur on Nov 23 was just reward for the midfielder’s “exceptional” commitment to improve.

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Eberechi Eze scoring Arsenal's third goal despite the attentions of (from left) Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero, Djed Spence and Mohammed Kudus during the Gunners' 4-1 league victory at the Emirates Stadium on Nov 23.

(REUTERS)

Eze became only the fourth player to score a north London derby treble and the first to hit three in the bitter rivalry since Alan Sunderland in 1978.

The 27-year-old midfielder tore Tottenham to shreds with clinical finishes in the 41st, 46th and 76th minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

Leandro Trossard netted in the 36th minute to open the floodgates, before Eze stole the show with the first treble of his professional career.

Richarlison’s incredible 35-metre lob over Gunners goalkeeper David Raya in the 55th minute was no consolation for toothless Tottenham.