Quick Read
- Eberechi Eze scored a historic hat trick for Arsenal against Tottenham, the first in the North London derby since 1978.
- Eze attributes his success to his Christian faith, often celebrating goals with a cross-finger gesture.
- He rejoined Arsenal in 2025 after spells at QPR and Crystal Palace, having been released by the club as a youth.
- Eze has 4 goals and 2 assists in 8 Premier League starts for Arsenal this season.
Eberechi Eze’s Homecoming: A Boyhood Dream Realized
For Eberechi Eze, the North London derby on a brisk November afternoon in 2025 was much more than a football match. It was the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, faith, and a longing to return home. Once a hopeful youngster in Arsenal’s academy, Eze’s path to the Emirates was anything but straightforward. Released by the club as a youth, he rebuilt his career through spells at QPR and Crystal Palace, places where he forged a reputation as one of England’s most inventive attacking midfielders.
Last summer, as the transfer window ticked toward its dramatic close, Eze stood at a crossroads. Tottenham appeared poised to secure his signature—until Arsenal intervened with a late, decisive offer. For Eze, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, the choice was clear: a chance to rejoin the club that had shaped his earliest ambitions. “For me, this is what I wanted to do. [The club] is in me, it’s part of me and I just feel so blessed,” Eze reflected in an interview with Arsenal’s website after the move was sealed.
Making History in the North London Derby
On derby day, Eze delivered a performance for the ages. Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Tottenham owed everything to his clinical finishing and unshakeable composure. Eze netted three times in just 36 minutes, becoming only the fourth player in history to record a hat trick in this storied rivalry—a feat not seen since 1978. Each goal was a testament to his sharp instincts and technical brilliance, but what made the occasion even more profound was Eze’s response afterward.
Speaking to NBC Sports, Eze revealed the spiritual foundation behind his heroics. “It’s what I prayed for,” he said. “I prayed for it today, man, a hat trick. And I got it today, so I’m grateful to God. … That was the prayer today: a hat trick. And God gave it to me. That’s faith, man.”
Faith at the Forefront: Celebrations and Meaning
Eze’s post-goal celebrations have become a focal point for supporters and analysts alike. His trademark gesture—crossing his two index fingers in the shape of a cross—was on full display after his first goal against Spurs, a heartfelt tribute to his Christian faith. According to FourFourTwo, Eze has consistently used this celebration since his days at Crystal Palace, underscoring the centrality of faith in his journey. On this particular afternoon, he mixed in a playful, stifled giggle and a knee slide, but the cross-shaped fingers remained the signature.
“I’ve grown up in a Christian household, regularly going to church,” Eze told The Athletic in 2023. “For me, it’s hugely important, simply because of the peace of mind it gives me. It allows me to regulate myself and put things into perspective.” As the pressure and glare of Premier League stardom intensified, Eze found solace in his beliefs: “Football can get super intense and you can get caught up in it all, but my faith allows me to realign my focus and know there’s something greater and that there’s a deeper purpose as to why I’m in the position I’m in.”
His Instagram post following the derby was telling in its simplicity: just one word—“Jesus.” The message was clear. For Eze, football is more than a game; it’s a platform to live out his faith, to inspire, and to stay grounded amid the whirlwind of elite sport.
From Selhurst Park to the Emirates: Growth and Recognition
Eze’s journey from Selhurst Park to the Emirates has been marked by both individual and team achievements. Last season, he scored the winning goal in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph, a moment that cemented his place among the league’s best attacking midfielders. His performances caught the eye of national selectors as well, earning him a spot in the England squad and a goal during the most recent international break.
Since joining Arsenal, Eze has started eight of the team’s twelve Premier League matches, contributing four goals and two assists. He’s featured in all four Champions League fixtures, further evidence of his growing influence on the European stage. As Arsenal chase their first league title in nearly two decades, Eze’s impact has been immediate and transformative.
His adaptation to life at Arsenal has appeared seamless, with his attacking flair and work ethic drawing praise from manager Mikel Arteta and teammates alike. Eze’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes matches—particularly against rivals and former clubs—has only endeared him further to the Gunners’ faithful.
Looking Ahead: Arsenal’s Title Charge and Eze’s Steadfast Faith
As the Premier League enters a crucial stretch, Arsenal sit six points clear at the top of the table. The Gunners face Bayern Munich in a pivotal Champions League clash before a high-stakes league encounter against Chelsea—two fixtures that could define their season. For Eze, the challenges ahead are met with quiet confidence and a sense of higher purpose.
“I’ve learned in myself that staying rooted in Christ throughout all the different phases is the most important thing because it allows you to see things with the right lens,” Eze recently shared. “Things will change. Things go up, things go down, you don’t know what’s around the corner, you don’t know how things may look. The one solid rock and foundation is Christ. Having that allows me to deal with whatever circumstance I’m in.”
His words resonate with anyone navigating the unpredictable tides of professional life. For Arsenal fans, Eze’s blend of humility, talent, and conviction offers hope that this season might finally deliver the glory they’ve long awaited.
Assessment: Eberechi Eze’s story is not just one of footballing triumph, but of personal faith and redemption. His return to Arsenal, capped by a historic hat trick in the North London derby, speaks to the power of belief—both in oneself and in something greater. As Arsenal look to end their title drought, Eze’s grounded perspective could prove as vital as his dazzling footwork on the pitch.