LONDON, Nov 24 — Mikel Arteta said Eberechi Eze’s brilliant hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday was just reward for the midfielder’s “exceptional” commitment to improve.

Eze became only the fourth player to score a north London derby treble and the first to hit three in the bitter rivalry since Alan Sunderland in 1978.

The 27-year-old midfielder tore Tottenham to shreds with clinical finishes in the 41st, 46th and 76th minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

Leandro Trossard netted in the 36th minute to open the floodgates before Eze stole the show with the first treble of his professional career.

Richarlison’s incredible 35-yard chip over Gunners keeper David Raya in the 55th minute was no consolation for toothless Tottenham.

While Eze had made a relatively slow start to his Arsenal career since his £60 million (RM326 million) move from Crystal Palace in August, Arteta has been impressed with the England star’s dedication.

That desire to improve was on show when he reported back early from the recent international break.

“I’m so happy for him. It is a day he deserves. At any minute he can win us a game,” Arteta said.

“Things happen for a reason. After the international duty he had two days off, but after one day he went to training. Because he wants to improve. He was asking me questions.

“He can score from the right, the left, in the ground, with the ball bouncing, he has such a capacity to take these chances. He is exceptional. We need to play to his qualities.”

Eze had snubbed Tottenham’s interest in favour of joining Arsenal and his eye-catching performance underlined just what their rivals missed out on.

“When I picked up the phone to him in the summer I remember he said he wanted to play for us and be part of this team. You can really sense that. Hopefully he enjoys this day,” Arteta said.

It was a memorable afternoon for Arsenal, whose biggest win over Tottenham since 2012 extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points.