TOTTENHAM 1-4 ARSENAL: The Gunners blew away their north London neighbours with Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres scoring braces after brilliant individual displays
The away end celebrated with a chorus of “you’re getting sacked in the morning.”
As first games in charge go, this was a nightmare for Tottenham’s interim boss Igor Tudor and the few remaining home fans left at the final whistle booed their players off.
And as games go for Arsenal, this was a huge moment and a statement victory which breathed life back into their faltering title challenge.
It was massive for Viktor Gyokeres who scored twice to deliver a potentially game-changing performance because he has struggled so badly at times this season.
It was a big call from Sky pundit Gary Neville to give Gyokeres man of the match when Eberechi Eze also scored twice and was just as brilliant, arguably even more so. Two players with a lot to prove and they did it on the perfect stage.
READ MORE: Arsenal and Man City next five Premier League fixtures compared as title race hots upREAD MORE: Arsenal find perfect derby response as Eberechi Eze haunts Tottenham – 5 talking points
MAKE THE MIRROR YOUR FIRST CHOICE! Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Incredibly, Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1 in the reverse fixture back in November and if ever a repeat result could completely change the mood then this was it.
Arsenal had allowed Manchester City to close the gap to two points and their challenge looked in serious danger with Pep Guardiola’s men closing the gap in the rearview mirror.
It was just as big for Arsenal as it was for Tottenham but for very different reasons. Arsenal looked shot to bits after blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at bottom-of-the table Wolves on Wednesday. Their belief seemed to have gone.
Tottenham had brought in Tudor to try and save their season but, while they put in more heart and effort, they find themselves fifth from bottom and just four points above West Ham in the relegation zone. It is too close for comfort.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
But this was some response from Mikel Arteta’s men. Eze scored a hat trick against Tottenham in that game back in November and his opening goal was his first shot on target in the Premier League since. That is down to a lack of opportunities rather than his failings.
In contrast, Arteta has stuck with Gyokeres through thick and thin and it has largely been thin even though, in fairness, his double took him to 15 goals in all competitions.
Eze put Arsenal ahead after 32 minutes. Bukayo Saka refused to give up, beat Pape Matar Sarr on the right edge of the box and then cut it back for Eze who hooked home from close range.
Arsenal’s lead lasted all of two minutes. Declan Rice made an uncharacteristic mistake, conceded possession and Randal Kolo Muani to steal in and smash home his first Premier League goal.
The start to the second half was delayed by the second technical VAR issue of the afternoon. But Arsenal did not let that put them off. Jurrien Timber threaded the ball forward, Gyokeres was unmarked and then smashed home from the edge of the box. It was a cracker.
Tottenham were unlucky to see a second equaliser ruled out. Muani had the ball in the net but it was disallowed for the slightest push on Gabriel. When they played the replay on the big screen, you could see why the Spurs fans were annoyed.
Arsenal got their third after 61 minutes. Eze drove forward, Gyokeres supplied a nice flick and then Saka went through only to be denied by Guglielmo Vicario. The ball deflected off Joao Palhinha’s heel and it came back to Eze to fire home.
Tottenham then surrendered. They had shown more heart and fight. Arsenal keeper David Raya clawed the ball off the line after Richarlison turned the ball towards goal. But there was not much else.
Arsenal got a fourth in injury time. Odegaard supplied the through ball, Gyokeres powered through and smashed home for the icing on the cake.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.