Sun Feb 22 19:06:04 UTC 2026: ### Arsenal Thrash Tottenham in North London Derby, Eze Scores Brace Against Former Suitors

The Story:
Arsenal delivered a decisive blow in the Premier League title race with a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the North London derby on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Eberechi Eze, who almost joined Tottenham in the summer, scored two goals against his former suitors, adding to Viktor Gyokeres’s brace. The win extends Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to five points, though Manchester City has a game in hand. The match marked a difficult start for new Tottenham manager Igor Tudor.

Key Points:

  • Arsenal defeated Tottenham 4-1 in the North London derby.
  • Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres both scored two goals for Arsenal.
  • Eze nearly signed for Tottenham in the summer but joined Arsenal for a reported 60 million pounds ($80m).
  • Randal Kolo Muani scored Tottenham’s only goal.
  • Arsenal leads the Premier League by five points over Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
  • Liverpool secured a late 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace defeated Wolverhampton 1-0.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context highlights several key factors influencing the game. Firstly, Tottenham’s reported absence of 12 players due to injury likely contributed to their weakened performance against Arsenal. Secondly, reports of four Arsenal stars being absent from Tottenham training pictures, yet Arteta claiming to have an injury boost, suggest that Arsenal’s injury situation may have been less severe than perceived, potentially providing them with a strategic advantage. Finally, Gary Neville’s claim about Viktor Gyokeres suggests that he might be a player of high quality who is vital for Arsenal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Arsenal’s victory significantly strengthens their title bid, but Manchester City’s game in hand keeps the pressure on.
  • Eberechi Eze’s performance against Tottenham underscores the impact of player transfers on derby matches.
  • Tottenham’s struggles highlight the challenges of integrating a new manager mid-season and dealing with significant player absences.
  • The victory against Tottenham is Arsenal’s first top-flight title since 2004.
  • Liverpool’s late win demonstrates their resilience and ability to secure points even when not at their best.

Impact Analysis:

The North London derby result has significant implications for the Premier League title race. Arsenal’s five-point lead puts them in a strong position, but the upcoming clash with Manchester City in mid-April will likely be decisive. The result also impacts Tottenham’s season, potentially affecting their chances of qualifying for European competitions. Eberechi Eze’s continued success against Tottenham could establish him as a key player in future derbies.

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