Mikel Arteta revealed Eberechi Eze returned early after international duty before he starred in Arsenal 's derby win over Tottenham.

The 27-year-old scored a sensational hat-trick in the 4-1 victory as the Gunners thrashed their north London rivals to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Eze was close to joining Spurs in the summer before getting his dream move to Arsenal and the derby provided his lift-off moment in a Gunners shirt.

The midfielder was involved in both of England's matches during the recent international break but was still desperate to return to Arsenal training ahead of schedule.

"Things happen for a reason," Arteta said.

"And after the international duty, he had two days off, and after one day he wanted to train, and he wanted to improve,

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