Eberechi Eze once again proved to be Tottenham’s biggest nightmare as Arsenal reasserted their authority in the title race with a commanding north London derby victory.

The win restores Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to five points, sending a clear message after a week of pressure. The Gunners had surrendered a two-goal advantage against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, while Manchester City tightened the race with a win over Newcastle United.

Spurs, under new interim boss Igor Tudor, hoped to add further tension in his first game in charge. Instead, they were outclassed by an Arsenal side determined not to let history repeat itself.

Eze, who struck a hat-trick in November’s 4-1 derby win, was once again at the heart of everything dangerous. The forward — who had been close to joining Spurs before Arsenal secured a £60m move from Crystal Palace in August — opened the scoring after 32 minutes with a composed close-range finish.

Tottenham responded almost immediately. Randal Kolo Muani produced a superb solo run and finish just two minutes later to bring the home crowd back into the contest. But Arsenal refused to lose control.

Shortly after half-time, Viktor Gyokeres, who has faced criticism in recent weeks, restored the visitors’ lead with a clinical right-footed strike from 20 yards. It was a moment of quality that shifted the momentum firmly back in Arsenal’s favour.

Unlike their costly collapse at Wolves, Mikel Arteta’s side kept pressing. Their third arrived on 61 minutes when Eze reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area, sweeping it past Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Tottenham had no response. Arsenal controlled possession and territory with confidence. Deep into stoppage time, Gyokeres capped the night by outmuscling Archie Gray before finishing to seal his second goal and a dominant victory.

For Arsenal, it was more than just derby bragging rights. It was a powerful statement that their title charge remains firmly on course.