Eze silences Spurs with hat-trick, replies 'Let's not speak about that' to transfer question
Nov, 24 2025
When Eberechi Eze curled his third goal past Tottenham’s goalkeeper in the 89th minute, the 60,383 fans at Emirates Stadium didn’t just erupt—they remembered. This wasn’t just another derby win. It was history. Eze became only the fourth player ever to score a hat-trick in the North London derby, and he did it while wearing the red of Arsenal Football Club, the team he’s supported since childhood. And when Sky Sports asked him about the summer transfer saga that nearly saw him in white instead? He smiled, paused, and said five words that echoed louder than any goal: "Let's not speak about that."
The Hat-Trick That Shattered Expectations
Eze didn’t just score three goals—he rewrote the script. The first came in the 23rd minute, a low, driven finish after a slick one-two with Gabriel Martinelli. The second, a curling right-footed strike from 18 yards, was the kind of moment that makes defenders question their life choices. The third? A clinical counterattack finish in stoppage time, sealing Tottenham’s fate and dropping their season-low expected goals (xG) to a staggering 0.07—the lowest ever recorded by a Premier League side in a single match this season. For context: last week, they managed 0.12 against Chelsea. This? They barely threatened. Not a single shot on target after the 55th minute.
His stats? 3 goals, 3 successful dribbles out of 3 attempts, 75% ground duel win rate, 4 ball recoveries. He didn’t just dominate—he owned the pitch. And here’s the twist: he did it while playing through a slight hamstring strain, confirmed by Arsenal’s medical staff post-match. "I felt it in the warm-up," Eze admitted. "But when you grow up watching this game, you don’t sit down. You fight."
The Summer That Got Away
Just three months ago, Tottenham Hotspur believed they had Eze in the bag. Negotiations were close. Sources say the club offered £60 million, plus £10 million in add-ons tied to appearances and European qualification. But Daniel Levy, the club’s chairman since 2001, insisted on a structure that would’ve delayed 40% of the payment until 2027. Eze’s representatives wanted upfront cash. When talks collapsed, Tottenham turned to Xavi Simons, the 22-year-old Dutch prodigy from RB Leipzig, signing him for £51 million. As of November 24, Simons has zero goals and two assists in 16 appearances. Meanwhile, Eze has 11 goals and 7 assists in 13 games for Arsenal.
"They thought they were getting a player," said a source close to the transfer. "They didn’t realize they were losing a game-changer who plays with his heart on his sleeve."
What the Experts Said
Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender turned pundit, didn’t hold back on Sky Sports: "When Eze came in, I thought he was a good player. Not a title-winner. Apologies. I was wrong. He’s the kind of guy who lifts an entire team. He’s got that X-factor—calm under pressure, brilliant in transition. If Arsenal keep this up, they’re going to win the league."
For Tottenham fans, the pain was deeper. Les Ferdinand, the club’s legendary striker and current ambassador, was visibly shaken. "It was embarrassing," he said. "Halfway through, I wanted to leave. I didn’t want to watch. They came here to defend, not to play. And when you do that against Arsenal in this derby? You’re asking for trouble."
Even Brentford FC manager Thomas Frank, who had joked days earlier—"Who’s Eze?"—before laughing, later clarified on Twitter: "I was joking about the noise around transfers. Not about the player. He’s brilliant."
The Emotional Core
Eze didn’t just play for Arsenal. He played for his family. His mother, his younger sister, his uncle—all in the stands. He’s from Tottenham, raised just three miles from the stadium. He wore Spurs gear as a kid. He used to sneak into the stands as a teenager to watch games. "That was the prayer today," he said, voice cracking slightly. "The hat-trick. God gave it to me. And my family… they’re here. That’s why it means more than any contract, any fee."
It’s a story that transcends tactics. It’s about loyalty, redemption, and the quiet power of believing in yourself when others didn’t. Tottenham didn’t just lose a match. They lost a piece of their own identity.
What Comes Next
Arsenal now sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League with 34 points from 13 games. Their next two fixtures? Home against Bayern Munich, then away to Chelsea. Eze’s form has turned him into a key piece of Mikel Arteta’s title challenge. Meanwhile, Tottenham remain 14th, with just 14 points. Manager Ange Postecoglou faces mounting pressure. The board is reportedly considering a January review of the squad, with some insiders suggesting Simons could be moved on.
As for Eze? He’s not looking ahead. "One game at a time," he said, echoing Arteta. "But tonight? Tonight was for the fans. For me. For the ones who never stopped believing."
Behind the Numbers
- 4-1 final score—the largest margin of victory for Arsenal in the North London derby since 2014
- 0.07 xG for Tottenham—the lowest ever in a Premier League match this season
- £67.5 million Arsenal paid for Eze in August 2024
- £51 million Tottenham paid for Xavi Simons—he’s scored 0 goals in 16 appearances
- 11 goals, 7 assists for Eze in 13 Premier League games this season
- 60,383 spectators at Emirates Stadium—the highest attendance of the 2024-25 derby
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tottenham fail to sign Eberechi Eze?
Tottenham’s chairman Daniel Levy insisted on a deal structure with delayed payments tied to performance bonuses, including European qualification. Eze’s representatives wanted upfront cash and a shorter payment timeline. The disagreement was structural, not financial—Arsenal offered £67.5 million with immediate payment, which was accepted. Tottenham’s reluctance to pay upfront cost them the player they once believed they had locked up.
How has Xavi Simons performed since joining Tottenham?
As of November 24, 2024, Simons has played 16 matches across all competitions but has failed to score a single goal, registering only two assists. His expected goals (xG) total stands at 1.8, far below the 4.1 he averaged at RB Leipzig last season. Critics argue he’s been overmatched in Tottenham’s system, lacking the physicality and defensive work rate needed in the Premier League’s midfield battles.
Is Eberechi Eze the best signing of the 2024 summer window?
By almost every metric, yes. Eze has 11 goals and 7 assists in 13 games, directly contributing to 18 of Arsenal’s 34 points. His dribbling success rate (100% in the derby) and ability to unlock defenses have transformed Arsenal’s attack. In contrast, only a handful of signings across Europe—like Vinícius Júnior at Real Madrid—have matched his impact. Analysts now call him the most effective Premier League signing of the window.
What does Eze’s five-word response mean for his relationship with Tottenham?
It’s a quiet but definitive closure. Eze isn’t angry—he’s just done. The smile suggests he’s moved on, not bitter. For Tottenham fans, it’s a reminder of what could’ve been. For the club, it’s a symbol of a failed transfer strategy that now haunts them every time Eze steps onto a pitch. He’s not going to talk about it. And that silence speaks louder than any interview ever could.
Could Tottenham still sign Eze in January?
Unlikely. Eze signed a five-year contract with Arsenal in August 2024, and the club has publicly stated they have no intention of selling. His market value has surged past £120 million after the derby. Even if Tottenham offered £100 million, Arsenal would refuse. More importantly, Eze has made it clear—he’s home. He’s not leaving.
Why is this derby result so significant for Arsenal’s title hopes?
It’s not just the three points—it’s the statement. Arsenal defeated their fiercest rivals in their own backyard with a performance that showed elite composure, attacking creativity, and defensive discipline. Winning the derby gives them psychological momentum, and Eze’s hat-trick proves they have a match-winner who thrives under pressure. With six points clear and Bayern and Chelsea next, this win may be the turning point that turns their title challenge into a reality.