Eberechi Eze timed his return to the Arsenal scoresheet to perfection with two goals in a 4-1 derby defeat to Tottenham Hotspur to calm his side’s Premier League title nerves on Sunday.
The forward had not scored since a hat-trick in the reverse fixture in November but struck in each half, with Viktor Gyokeres also scoring twice as Arsenal moved five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Eze, who almost signed for Tottenham last August, hit a volley in a 32nd-minute opener, only for Randal Kolo Muani to equalize two minutes later after a Declan Rice error.
Gyokeres restored Arsenal’s lead shortly after the break with a sublime curler and Eze’s second, a tap-in, gave his side breathing space. Gyokeres then capped a fine performance with his second goal, sealing the deal in stoppage time.
The win took Arsenal to 61 points from 28 games, while City, who have played one game less, are on 56. Tottenham, for whom new manager Igor Tudor was in charge for the first time, remain in 16th place, just four points above the relegation zone.
Consecutive draws against Brentford and bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers, the latter after leading 2-0, had raised the specter of Arsenal, allowing a first Premier League title since 2004 to slip through their fingers.
City’s 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday had piled on the pressure, so a visit to woefully out-of-form Tottenham, who have not won the league until 2026, suddenly seemed like a treacherous assignment.
Tottenham did show some of the fight that Tudor had promised and gave Arsenal some anxious moments, but Eze’s timely brace meant Mikel Arteta’s side could now breathe easier.
Arsenal dominated the opening half-hour as Gyokeres went close before Eze showed great athleticism to volley past Guglielmo Vicario after Bukayo Saka’s cross bounced.
Tottenham found a way back from an unexpected source when the usually reliable Rice wandered into his own area and was dispossessed by Kolo Muani who drove a shot past David Raya to send the home fans into delirium.
After a comically delayed start to the second half caused by the failure of communication from the match officials, Tottenham had an early chance in the second half of the match through Xavi Simons.
But Arsenal soon took the lead.
Gyokeres, for whom the goals are finally starting to fall, was given too much time to control Jurrien Timber’s pass before firing past Vicario with his right.
Eze, who joined Arsenal for £67 million ($90.28 million) after being assured he would sign for Spurs, made it five goals in two games against Tottenham, firing in from close range after poor defending, much to the derision of the home fans.
By the time Gyokeres struck again in stoppage time, the celebrating Arsenal fans were already in full voice.
Published on February 23, 2026
