Arsenal, over the past few years in the Premier League, have been the bridesmaids - close enough to touch the trophy, yet always watching someone else lift it.
Twice they've been left in the dust by Manchester City, and once they’ve trailed Liverpool’s march to the title. However, after a magical north London derby, Eberechi Eze might be the man to lead them to the dancefloor first.
In another world, Eze would have been pulling on a Tottenham Hotspur shirt on Sunday afternoon, but Mikel Arteta poached the former Crystal Palace man from under the nose of the Gunners' bitter rivals.
The Emirates played to the beat of Eze on Sunday, his first goal - with a sprinkle of controversy - saw him duck and weave in-between two Spurs defenders and roll the ball past a flat-footed Guglielmo Vicario.
His second came seconds after the break, hammering any hope that was left out of a poor Spurs outfit.
Mikel Arteta's side played Tottenham Hotspur off the pitch
Mikel Arteta's side played Tottenham Hotspur off the pitch (Image: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)
However, it was his third that made history - the first north London derby hat-trick since 1978, when Alan Sunderland netted three en route to a 5-0 away win for Arsenal.
"What a moment. Hat-trick in a north London derby," Gary Neville said. "Trossard, who's done brilliantly today, rides off the back of Sarr.
"Eze has been masterful. He puts it exactly where he wants to."
Arsenal's English midfielder #10 Eberechi Eze scores his team's fourth goal, his hat trick, during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 23, 2025.
Eberechi Eze said his family were in the stands to watch the clash (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Eze stole the show and he was joined on the scoresheet by Leandro Trossard as Spurs were humbled by the Gunners - only finding the net after a freak strike by Richarlison.
The Englishman was playing for fun, bringing out flicks and tricks as the game ran away from Spurs.
"That's a good one. Enjoyable day. Happy to help the team and get the win," he said after the game. "It's special. It's what I prayed for. I prayed for my hat-trick and I got it. All my family are here which makes it more special to do it in front of them."
Eberechi Eze of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2025 in London, England.
Arsenal look like champions in waiting (Image: Getty Images)
It was a changed squad on the pitch for the Gunners, and yet they still looked untouchable and, with December around the corner, the champions in waiting.
Arteta's side, in a weekend where their rivals faltered, are now six points clear at the top of the pile, with Chelsea their closest challengers.
The Blues had to dig deep to win on Saturday lunchtime, while Manchester City dropped points in third.