On a dramatic Sunday in November 2025, two Premier League matches reshaped the title race and reignited relegation fears — all thanks to two unforgettable individual performances. Eberechi Eze delivered a hat trick for Arsenal Football Club in a 4-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium, while Morgan Rogers scored both goals as Aston Villa Football Club overturned a deficit to beat Leeds United Football Club 2-1 at Elland Road. The results didn’t just change the table — they sent shockwaves through English football.
The Eze Masterclass in North London
It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. At 16:30 local time, Arsenal Football Club and Tottenham Hotspur clashed in what felt like a title decider — even with 26 games left. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 36th minute, but the night belonged to Eberechi Eze. His first goal, a calm finish in the 41st minute, silenced the Spurs fans. Then, 23 seconds into the second half? Pure magic. A left-footed curler from the edge of the box. 3-0. The stadium erupted. By the 76th minute, Eze had completed his hat trick — a curling, impossible-to-read strike that left goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario motionless. It was the first time an Arsenal player had netted three against Tottenham since Alan Sunderland in 1978. "It is special," Eze said afterward. "Words can’t explain this." Tottenham Hotspur got a moment of glory through Richarlison, who chipped David Raya from 45 yards out — a goal so audacious, even Arsenal fans clapped. But it was just a footnote. The final 4-1 scoreline left Arsenal with 33 points from 12 matches — an unbeaten run of 11 wins and just one loss. Meanwhile, Tottenham sank to seventh, nine points behind. The twist? Manchester City and Liverpool both lost on Saturday. Arsenal didn’t just win — they inherited the momentum.Villa’s Comeback in the Rain at Elland Road
While North London celebrated, West Yorkshire watched in disbelief. Leeds United, promoted just months ago, took the lead in the 28th minute through Lukas Nmecha, capitalizing on a scrambled set piece after VAR confirmed no foul on Emiliano Martínez. The home crowd roared. But then, the tide turned. Just before halftime, Morgan Rogers — the Villa forward who signed a new long-term deal weeks ago — equalized. John McGinn, fresh off the bench, played a perfect cross to Matty Cash, who laid it off for Rogers to smash home. Two minutes into the second half, Rogers did it again. A free kick from 25 yards. Pascal Struijk fouled Ross Barkley. The referee blew. Rogers stepped up. The ball dipped like a stone, curled over the wall, and left Illan Meslier — mistakenly called "Perry" on NBC’s broadcast — frozen. "He didn’t even move," said studio host Rebecca Low. "That’s a £70 million player right there." Leeds thought they’d equalized when Dominic Calvert-Lewin — who doesn’t even play for Leeds — headed in. But VAR intervened. Handball. Goal disallowed. The final whistle blew. Villa won. And Leeds? They collapsed.Relegation Realities and Title Dreams
The table after Matchweek 12 tells the story. Arsenal Football Club leads with 33 points. Chelsea Football Club sits second with 27. Aston Villa Football Club surged to fourth with 25 — just one point behind Manchester City Football Club. But the fall was brutal for Leeds. At 8 points from 12 games, they’re in 18th place — the relegation zone. Five losses in their last six matches. They’ve scored just 11 goals all season. Their next fixtures? Home against Liverpool, away to Manchester United. Survival now looks like a miracle. For Villa, this win marks their sixth in seven games after a winless start. They’re no longer the underdogs. They’re contenders. Rogers’ brace didn’t just win the game — it validated their faith in him. His new contract, signed just before the season, now looks like a masterstroke.
What Comes Next?
Arsenal’s next match is away at Newcastle on November 30 — a chance to stretch their lead to nine points. Meanwhile, Villa face Chelsea Football Club on November 29. A win there could put them into second. For Leeds, the calendar turns cruel. With only 11 points separating them from safety, and fixtures against the top six still ahead, their survival hinges on a turnaround no team has managed since 2012.Historical Echoes and Modern Miracles
Eze’s hat trick was the first by an Arsenal player against Tottenham in 47 years. Richarlison’s chip was the longest-range goal ever scored against Arsenal in the Premier League era. And Rogers? He’s the first Villa player to score a brace in a away win at Elland Road since 2015. These aren’t just stats — they’re stories etched into league history.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Eze’s hat trick compare to past Arsenal legends against Tottenham?
Eze’s hat trick was the first by an Arsenal player against Tottenham since Alan Sunderland in 1978 — a 47-year gap. Only five Arsenal players have ever scored a hat trick against Spurs in league play, including Thierry Henry (2002) and Dennis Bergkamp (1997). Eze’s performance, however, stands out for its timing — coming in a title-deciding match with a six-point lead on the line — making it arguably the most consequential in modern history.
Why is Leeds United’s position so alarming?
Leeds have just 8 points from 12 games — their worst start since 2004. They’ve conceded 27 goals, the worst defensive record in the league. Only three teams in Premier League history have avoided relegation after having fewer than 10 points after 12 matches. Their goal difference is -14. With Liverpool, Man United, and Man City still to come, they need a miracle — or a manager change — to survive.
What does Rogers’ performance mean for Aston Villa’s title hopes?
Rogers’ brace isn’t just about goals — it’s about identity. Villa went from winless in their first five games to winning six of seven. Rogers, now a key attacker, has scored five goals in his last four matches. With Villa sitting fourth and only one point off City, they’re not just fighting for Europe — they’re in the conversation for a top-two finish. His contract extension was a gamble. Now, it looks like a franchise-defining move.
Is Arsenal’s six-point lead safe?
Six points is massive with 26 games left, but not invincible. Arsenal’s only loss came against Liverpool in August — and they still have to face City, Man United, and Chelsea at home. But their defense has conceded just 8 goals all season — the best in the league. If they keep that up, and Eze keeps scoring, they’re not just favorites — they’re on track to win their first title since 2004, when the Invincibles went unbeaten.
What role did VAR play in these matches?
VAR was crucial in both games. In Leeds, it confirmed Nmecha’s goal after checking if Martínez was impeded — a narrow call that kept Leeds ahead temporarily. In Villa’s win, it correctly disallowed a handball by Dominic Calvert-Lewin — though he doesn’t even play for Leeds, the error in reporting caused confusion. VAR’s presence ensured fairness, but also highlighted how fine margins define modern football.
Why was Richarlison’s goal called "the goal of the game" despite Tottenham losing?
Because it was pure genius. From 45 yards out, with no backspin, Richarlison chipped Raya with perfect timing and trajectory — the longest goal ever scored against Arsenal in the Premier League. Even Arsenal fans stood and applauded. In a 4-1 defeat, it was the only moment of individual brilliance. It’s the kind of goal that lives on in highlight reels — proof that even in defeat, football can still produce magic.