‘I undervalued the importance of that signing’ - Carragher apologises to Eze after hat-trick against Tottenham

Eze, a summer signing from Crystal Palace, was the star of the show at the Emirates, scoring a stunning hat-trick as the Gunners dismantled Tottenham 4-1. 

The victory extended Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to six points and secured local bragging rights.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring before Eze took control of the match, netting three goals to put the game well beyond Spurs' reach. 

His dominant display forced Carragher to retract his earlier assessment of the player. The Liverpool legend confessed he had initially been sceptical about the £67.5 million transfer, believing Eze would merely serve as a backup for club captain Martin Odegaard.

"His signing, which I felt to be fair, would just be as a backup to Odegaard," Carragher said on Sky Sports. "When Eze came I thought maybe he wasn’t a game-changer. Apologies."

The pundit conceded he had misjudged the midfielder's potential impact. "I certainly undervalued the importance of that signing," Carragher added. "He looks like he can make the difference for them and they can go on and win the title."

The England international became the first player to score a Premier League hat-trick in the North London derby.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, a delighted Eze expressed his joy. "That’s a good one, man. Enjoyable day. Happy to help the team and to win today was special," he said.

"Words can’t explain this one today. I am grateful. I prayed for it. This is what I pray for. I prayed for a hat-trick so I am grateful to God."