Eberechi Eze described his “special” achievement with pride after the Arsenal midfielder recorded his first career hat-trick, leading his team to a 4-1 victory over Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby.
Eze dismantled Spurs with three precise finishes following Leandro Trossard’s early goal for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The 27-year-old had experienced a modest beginning to his Arsenal career after completing a £60 million ($78 million) transfer from Crystal Palace in August.
However, facing the side he turned down before choosing to join Mikel Arteta’s squad, the England international delivered a brilliant performance that lifted Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
“That’s a good one man. Enjoyable day. Happy to help the team and to win today was special,” Eze said.
“It is special. Words can’t explain this one today.”
Once rejected by Arsenal as a youth player, Eze made his way back through a long journey that has now positioned him as one of the standout talents in English football.
A deeply religious figure, Eze credited his standout display to his faith.
With only two goals in his previous 15 matches for Arsenal, this impressive showing highlighted exactly what Tottenham lost out on.
“I prayed for it. This is what I pray for. I prayed for a hat-trick so I am grateful to God,” Eze said.
“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.”
Eze’s performance provided a significant lift to Arsenal’s pursuit of their first Premier League title since 2004, following three consecutive seasons finishing as runners-up.
His hat-trick marked the first in a north London derby since 1978 and just the fourth in the long-running rivalry.
When asked which of the three goals he preferred, Eze chose his second — a sharp finish scored only 35 seconds into the second half.
“They are all good. Maybe the second one. That was my favourite,” he said.
“All of them are good for me because I have been working on the process to get in that position so that’s good again.”