Arsenal’s Eze Brace Sinks Spurs in Derby Rout 2026

Key Points

• Eberechi Eze scored a double for Arsenal in a 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, restoring Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
• Eze, who nearly joined Spurs before transferring from Crystal Palace to Arsenal in August, marked his first goals since a hat-trick in the first north London derby of the season in November.
• Arsenal responded to back-to-back draws against Brentford and Wolves, with goals from Viktor Gyokeres (two) and Eze inflicting pain on Tottenham in Igor Tudor’s first match as interim boss.
• Tottenham equalised briefly through Randal Kolo Muani but sit just four points above the relegation zone.
• Manchester City have a game in hand and will host Arsenal in April.
• Liverpool secured a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest with Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute goal, despite a poor performance, remaining level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United.
• Forest’s fourth manager of the season, Vitor Pereira, saw his side drop within two points of the bottom three after a late Mac Allister goal, ruled onside after a prior handball disallowance.
• Fulham beat Sunderland 3-1 with Raul Jimenez’s double, climbing into the top half of the table.
• Crystal Palace won 1-0 at 10-man Wolves with Evann Guessand’s 90th-minute debut goal, easing discontent at Selhurst Park.

(North London News), February 23, 2026 – Arsenal crushed Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in a dominant north London derby on Sunday, with Eberechi Eze’s brace restoring their five-point lead at the Premier League summit. The Gunners, managed by Mikel Arteta, inflicted heavy defeat on rivals Spurs under interim boss Igor Tudor, while Liverpool snatched a late 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest. Eze, formerly of Crystal Palace and courted by Tottenham, proved decisive once more after his earlier derby hat-trick.

Who Was Eberechi Eze’s Performance a Repeat Against?

Eberechi Eze haunted Tottenham again, netting his first goals since a hat-trick in November’s initial north London derby. As reported in the original dispatch from London, Eze

“nearly joined Spurs prior to moving to Arsenal from Crystal Palace in August”.

Restored to Arteta’s starting XI after recent bench time, the England international hooked in the opener just after the half-hour from close range.

Tottenham levelled swiftly via Randal Kolo Muani, but Viktor Gyokeres restored Arsenal’s advantage early in the second half with what has been termed his “most significant goal so far for the Gunners”. Eze added his second after Guglielmo Vicario denied Bukayo Saka, rolling home the rebound, before Gyokeres sealed a stoppage-time brace.​

Mikel Arteta praised his side’s response:

“I think you have to bring context to the situation and this is the beauty of football. We lift everyone up immediately. Now we have to show what we are made of. That is about attitude and how you respond to a difficult moment.”.

Igor Tudor, in his debut as Spurs’ interim manager, called it “a difficult game. It was a lesson!” Tottenham linger just four points clear of relegation peril.​

Why Did Arsenal Need This Win So Urgently?

Pressure mounted on Arsenal after consecutive draws at Brentford and Wolves let Manchester City narrow the title gap. Arteta’s charges rose decisively, securing breathing room in their bid for a first league crown in 22 years. City hold a game in hand and home soil for the April top-two showdown, but Arsenal’s margin now stands firm at five points.

Eze’s recent minutes dwindled amid Arteta’s rotations, yet his recall paid dividends. The victory underscores Arsenal’s depth and derby dominance, extending pain to fiercest foes.

What Did Mikel Arteta Say About Tottenham’s Interim Boss?

The clash marked Igor Tudor’s inaugural outing as Tottenham’s caretaker after prior upheaval. Arteta contextualised the beauty of football’s unpredictability, urging his team to embody resilience. Tudor’s admission of a harsh lesson reflects Spurs’ woes, rooted four points from the drop zone post-derby drubbing.

How Did Liverpool Snatch Victory at Nottingham Forest?

Liverpool endured a “nothing was good” display yet prevailed 1-0 at Nottingham Forest, thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute rebound finish after Virgil van Dijk’s header. Mac Allister had a prior goal chalked off for handball when charging down Ola Aina’s clearance. Forest’s new boss Vitor Pereira, their fourth this term, fumed as his charges slipped to two points shy of the bottom three.

Mac Allister reflected candidly:

“I love scoring, I love winning, so in that sense I think it’s a really good day. But on the other hand, I don’t think we played very well. There’s plenty of things we need to improve. Liverpool must ‘improve’.”

The Reds hold sixth, level with Chelsea and Manchester United, six points adrift of Aston Villa.​

Who Is Vitor Pereira and Why His Fury?

Pereira took Forest reins for his league debut, eyeing a point until the dramatic denouement. Despite the disallowed goal warning, Forest faltered. Pereira’s side appeared destined for reward before Mac Allister swept home the decider.

What Boost Did Fulham Gain from Sunderland Win?

Fulham surged past Sunderland into the top half with a 3-1 triumph at the Stadium of Light, only the second visiting success there this season. Raul Jimenez’s double propelled Marco Silva’s outfit to victory. Jimenez’s clinical finishing proved pivotal.

How Did Crystal Palace End Their Slump Against Wolves?

Crystal Palace quelled Selhurst Park unrest with a second win in 16 outings, edging 10-man Wolves 1-0 via Evann Guessand’s 90th-minute maiden strike. Guessand’s late intervention silenced doubters amid Palace’s struggles.

What Are the Title Race Implications for Arsenal?

Arsenal’s haul breathes life into their 22-year title drought chase. City’s pending fixture and April hosting loom large, yet five points cushion the leaders. Eze’s resurgence, Gyokeres’ impact, and derby mastery signal Gunners’ mettle.

Why Is Tottenham’s Position Precarious?

Spurs teeter four points above relegation under Tudor. Kolo Muani’s swift reply offered fleeting hope, but Arsenal’s onslaught exposed frailties. The interim era demands rapid remedy.

How Does Liverpool’s Form Affect Champions League Hopes?

Mac Allister’s salvage keeps Liverpool in sixth parity with Chelsea and United, chasing Villa. Admitting performance lapses, Arne Slot’s men eye enhancements for top-four contention.

What Lessons from Forest’s Managerial Carousel?

Pereira’s debut yielded scant reward, Forest’s flux continuing. Proximity to relegation sharpens focus.

Who Stands Out in Weekend’s Goal Scorers?

Eze (2), Gyokeres (2), Jimenez (2), Mac Allister, Guessand lit scoreboards. Their strikes reshaped standings.

Where Do Teams Sit Post-Matchday?

Arsenal lead by five over City (game in hand). Spurs hover mid-table perilously. Liverpool level mid-pack. Fulham top-half newcomers. Palace breathe easier.

This derby dissects Premier League’s brutal hierarchy: Arsenal ascend, Tottenham grapple, chasers scrap. Eze’s double cements his Spurs nemesis tag, Arteta’s charges retake control. Liverpool limp on, Forest founder. Jimenez, Guessand spark joy for Fulham, Palace. Football’s theatre thrives on such Sunday twists.