JAMIE CARRAGHER has APOLOGISED to Eberechi Eze following his stunning hat-trick against Tottenham.
The summer signing shone brightest at the Emirates as the Gunners fired themselves six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta‘s side romped to a 4-1 win over their arch-rivals to claim bragging rights in North London.
Leandro Trossard forced home the opener before Eze took centre stage.
The midfielder netted three goals to put the tie beyond Spurs – who he almost joined before signing for Arsenal.
His performance caught the eye of Carragher, who said he was left eating his own words.
The Liverpool legend admitted he had thought Eze’s £67.5million switch to Arsenal would see him become a back-up to Martin Odegaard.
The former Crystal Palace star has slowly battled his way into the team and is taking a starring role.
Carragher has now issued an apology to the North London derby match-winner.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “His signing, which I felt to be fair, would just be as a backup to Odegaard.
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“When Eze came I thought maybe he wasn’t a game-changer.
“Apologies.
“I certainly undervalued the importance of that signing and he looks like he can make the difference for them and they can go on and win the title.”
Eze’s first goal left Spurs fans fuming after it was allowed to stand.
Many believed it should have been checked by VAR as both Martin Zubimendi and Trossard were in Guglielmo Vicario’s eyeline while in offside positions.
However, the Premier League Match Centre X account confirmed why the Eze goal was given.
A statement read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that there were no Arsenal players in the line of vision of the goalkeeper.
“They made no movement to impact an opponent while in an offside position.”
A joyful Eze said on the pitch to Sky Sports: “That’s a good one man.
“Enjoyable day. Happy to help the team and to win today was a special.
“It is special. Words can’t explain this one today.
“I am grateful. I prayed for it. This is what I pray for. I prayed for a hat-trick so I am grateful to God.
“That was the prayer today. God gave it to me and that is faith, man. All my family is here and that makes it even more special for me.”