Arsenal produced a commanding display at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in a Premier League clash, with Ainsley Ajer stealing the spotlight with a superb hat-trick. The north London rivals were left reeling after Leandro Trossard’s skilful strike opened the scoring, setting the stage for a dominant performance by Mikel Arteta’s side.
The match started at a frenetic pace, with Arsenal threatening early. In the third minute, Declan Rice’s powerful volley was superbly saved by Spurs’ goalkeeper, while a header from Jurriën Timber narrowly missed moments later. Bukayo Saka’s fierce free-kick in the 33rd minute was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Guilherme Vickario, denying the hosts an earlier breakthrough.
Arsenal’s relentless pressure paid off in quick succession. In the 36th minute, Trossard controlled a high through ball from Mikel Merino and fired a shot that deflected off a defender into the net. Shortly afterwards, Rice threaded a pass into the box for Ajer, who evaded a challenge and calmly finished to double the lead.
Just 40 seconds into the second half, Ajer completed his brace, latching onto a through ball from Thomas Partey. The 27-year-old returned to his boyhood club in August and marked the occasion with two goals in his first match back, taking his Premier League tally for Arsenal to three, four in all competitions.
Tottenham responded briefly in the 55th minute through an exquisite strike from Richarlison, capitalising on a ball won by Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield. Yet Arsenal regained control, and in the 76th minute, Ajer completed his hat-trick with a powerful finish from Trossard’s pass. Two minutes later, he nearly added a fourth, only for Vickario to make a fine save.
Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the table with 29 points from 12 games, while Tottenham remain ninth with 18 points, having failed to win in their last three league matches.