Introduction
Arsenal entered the 198th North London derby sitting top of the Premier League table with 26 points from 11 matches, and delivered a commanding performance at Elland Road on 23rd November 2025, crushing Tottenham 4-1 in what proved to be a statement victory. This unusual venue for the Premier League clash saw Eberechi Eze, Arsenal's summer signing from Crystal Palace, announce himself emphatically with a stunning hat-trick, whilst Leandro Trossard also found the net. Richarlison's solitary strike provided little consolation for Spurs in what became a one-sided affair.
From our analysis, this result significantly strengthened Arsenal's title credentials whilst leaving serious questions about Thomas Frank's Tottenham project. The stakes couldn't have been higher, with Arsenal starting the weekend four points above second-placed Manchester City, looking to extend their advantage in the championship race.
Tactical Analysis
We noticed Arsenal deployed their familiar 4-3-3 formation with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield, whilst Tottenham lined up in a 3-4-2-1 system that ultimately left them exposed in wide areas. Mikel Arteta's tactical approach emphasised quick transitions and pressing high up the pitch, which immediately unsettled Spurs' build-up play.
According to our observation, Arsenal's pressing was particularly effective in the first half, with Declan Rice and Kai Havertz working tirelessly to win back possession in dangerous areas. The Gunners' use of the flanks proved devastating, as Eze drifted between left wing and central positions to exploit the spaces behind Tottenham's wing-backs.
Thomas Frank's Tottenham struggled with their defensive organisation throughout the match. In our view, the three-man defence of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies was consistently stretched by Arsenal's movement, particularly when Eze dropped deep to collect possession before driving forward.
From our analysis, the substitutions told the story of the match. Arteta was able to introduce fresh legs and maintain tempo, whilst Frank's changes appeared reactive rather than proactive. The introduction of Richarlison did provide Spurs with their only goal, but by then the damage was done.
Technical Performance
We observed Arsenal's attacking movements were fluid and unpredictable throughout the contest. Eze's technical quality shone brightest, with his first goal showcasing excellent close control in the box, his second demonstrating clinical finishing from the edge of the area, and his hat-trick strike highlighting his ability to find space in crowded areas.
Arsenal's counter-attacking was particularly impressive in our assessment. The transition from defence to attack was seamless, with quick passing combinations releasing their forwards into dangerous positions. Tottenham's defensive organisation, in contrast, appeared disjointed and reactive rather than proactive.
According to our observation, David Raya had a relatively comfortable evening in goal, making routine saves and distributing effectively to launch attacks. At the other end, Guglielmo Vicario was left exposed by his defence on multiple occasions and could do little about any of the goals conceded.
Statistical Analysis
The numbers paint a stark picture of Arsenal's dominance. Arsenal enjoyed 57% possession compared to Tottenham's 43%, but more tellingly, the Gunners managed 17 shots to Spurs' meagre 3, with 8 on target against just 2. This disparity highlights how effectively Arsenal controlled the tempo and created chances.
From our analysis, Arsenal's 4 corners to Tottenham's 1 demonstrates their territorial advantage, whilst the foul count of Arsenal 11 to Tottenham's 15 suggests Spurs resorted to disrupting play as they struggled to match their opponents' technical quality. The disciplinary record of 1 card for Arsenal against 3 for Tottenham further emphasises how the visitors lost their composure as the match progressed.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Arsenal Strengths:
- Clinical finishing in the final third, particularly from Eze
- Excellent pressing and defensive transitions
- Fluid attacking movement creating space consistently
- Strong midfield control through Ødegaard and Rice
Arsenal Weaknesses:
- Brief lapse in concentration allowing Richarlison's goal
- Occasional over-elaboration in build-up play
Tottenham Strengths:
- Richarlison's clinical finish when opportunity arose
- Showed character to keep fighting despite deficit
Tottenham Weaknesses:
- Poor defensive organisation and communication
- Lack of creative spark in midfield areas
- Inability to maintain possession under pressure
- Wing-back positions constantly exploited
Key Moments
The opening goal arrived in the 36th minute when Trossard capitalised on poor Spurs defending to slot home from close range. We noticed this goal completely shifted the momentum, with Tottenham's confidence visibly dropping.
Eze's first goal five minutes later proved the turning point. His brilliant individual effort, cutting inside from the left before curling into the far corner, showcased exactly why Arsenal paid £67.5 million for his services. According to our observation, this strike effectively ended the contest as a meaningful spectacle.
The second half began with Eze's second goal just after the restart, a powerful drive from 20 yards that gave Vicario no chance. Richarlison's response in the 55th minute briefly threatened a comeback, but Eze's hat-trick goal in the 76th minute sealed a comprehensive victory that never looked in doubt.
Player Ratings
Arsenal:
Eberechi Eze - 9/10: In our view, a sensational performance from the summer signing. Three expertly taken goals and constant threat throughout. Justified his hefty price tag in emphatic style.
Leandro Trossard - 7/10: According to our analysis, provided the opener with a poacher's finish and worked tirelessly across the front line. His 20 goal involvements in all competitions this year continue to impress.
Martin Ødegaard - 8/10: We observed excellent game management from the captain, dictating tempo and providing key passes throughout the match.
Declan Rice - 7/10: Solid defensive work and excellent distribution. From our observation, his pressing was crucial in disrupting Tottenham's rhythm.
David Raya - 6/10: Had little to do but handled his duties professionally. Could do nothing about Richarlison's well-taken goal.
Tottenham:
Richarlison - 6/10: Took his goal well and showed glimpses of quality, but we noticed he was isolated for large periods due to poor service.
Micky van de Ven - 5/10: Struggled defensively and was caught out of position for multiple goals. Failed to justify his reputation on this occasion.
James Maddison - 4/10: Anonymous throughout the contest. According to our observation, he failed to influence the game in any meaningful way.
Cristian Romero - 4/10: Poor defensive display from the usually reliable centre-back. We noticed communication breakdowns that proved costly.
Guglielmo Vicario - 5/10: Made several good saves but was exposed by his defence too often. Could have done little about most of the goals conceded.
Overall Summary
From our tactical point of view, Arsenal thoroughly deserved this comprehensive victory. The Gunners were superior in every department, showcasing the technical quality and tactical sophistication that makes them genuine title contenders. Eze's integration into Arteta's system appears seamless, providing the creative spark and clinical edge the manager craved.
We believe Tottenham must take several lessons from this defeat. The defensive fragility remains a major concern, whilst the lack of creativity in central areas continues to hamper their ability to control matches against quality opposition. Frank's tactical approach appeared naive against such accomplished opponents.
Future Outlook
This result should strengthen Arsenal's position at the top of the Premier League table, with the confidence gained from such a dominant derby victory potentially proving crucial in the title race. The form of Eze alongside established stars like Ødegaard suggests this Arsenal side possesses the depth and quality needed for a sustained championship challenge.
For Tottenham, this heavy defeat raises serious questions about their top-four aspirations. Currently sitting in fifth place with 18 points, Frank must quickly address the tactical and personnel issues exposed so brutally by their North London rivals. In our view, significant improvement is needed across multiple areas if Spurs hope to challenge for European qualification this season.
We expect Arsenal to build momentum from this performance, whilst Tottenham face the challenge of rebuilding confidence before their next Premier League fixture.