Arsenal star Eberechi Eze ruthlessly dismissed questions about his Tottenham transfer snub after netting a historic hat-trick against Spurs on Sunday. The 27-year-old became the first player in almost 50 years to score three goals in a north London derby. His first-half strike, followed by his brace after the interval, compounded the misery for the Gunners' rivals, just months after Spurs were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign him from Crystal Palace.
Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock in the opening period as he slotted home after the Spurs defence were caught out by a delicious pass from Mikel Merino. With just four minutes of the first-half remaining, Eze then grabbed his opening goal and Arsenal's second as Mikel Arteta's men capitalised on their first-half dominance. And Eze then scored twice more either side of a 45-yard strike from Spurs forward Richarlison.
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Yet, having fulfilled a childhood ambition on Sunday, the Arsenal hero refused to discuss the summer transfer window drama that saw him reject Spurs for the Premier League table-toppers, stating: "Let's not speak about that."
Turning his attention to the match, Eze added: "That's a good one, enjoyable day, I'm happy to help the team. It's special, you know.
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"Special man, I'm grateful again. I prayed for it, I prayed for a hat-trick, I'm grateful man. That was a prayer today and God delivered."
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Arsenal secured Eze's signature ahead of north London rivals Tottenham in a £60million deal in August, with the England international admitting his childhood allegiance made the decision straightforward.
The midfielder previously told The Athletic: "I was prepared to go to Tottenham, but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them.
"My first [senior] Arsenal game was special. It almost didn't feel real because it's something I've been dreaming of for a long time.
"Playing for Arsenal from eight to 13, it's been in the back of my mind wanting to go back. It felt like the realisation of a dream."
The victory proved vital for Arsenal beyond merely defeating their local adversaries, as the Gunners took full advantage of their title competitors faltering elsewhere.
Liverpool's struggles deepened on Saturday as they dropped further behind in their championship defence after losing to Nottingham Forest, while Newcastle dampened Manchester City's ambitions with a 2-1 triumph at St James' Park.
Eze's hat-trick, combined with Trossard's opening goal, extends Arsenal's advantage at the Premier League summit to six points heading into a demanding festive schedule.
The Gunners face second-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next weekend, shortly after their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich in mid-week.