Sense of anger gives Lauren extra edge

"We all wish what took place at Old Trafford had not happened," said the 26-year-old. "But it did. And all I have been able to do is be professional, focus on the games and concentrate on my football. I have done my best and that's it. All the time the incident is on the television and it is not nice. You feel everybody is looking at you. But you have to take it on the chin. I hope it won't happen again."

If tomorrow is to be Lauren's sign-off for a month then he could not have chosen a more severe test of nerve as the battle for bragging rights in north London resumes. "This is a massive game, one that everyone waits for every year."

Two years ago, he endeared himself forever to the Highbury fans when he struck home the winning goal in a 2-1 win for Arsenal. "All the week, the talk is about the game. It is one that both teams want to win. At Arsenal, we like to win and we like to win by playing well. But against Tottenham - you just have to win. You need so much mental strength because the atmosphere is very different and the noise from the crowd is remarkable.

"All you can do is try to concentrate. It is difficult but you have to try to do it. It is a dreadful feeling when you are on the losing team. It doesn't matter if you play well."

Arsenal will no doubt be buoyant after the last-gasp win over Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday night that turned their Champions League hopes from a flicker into a flame.

A draw against the Ukrainians and they were all but out. Thanks to Ashley Cole, the chances of reaching the lucrative knock-out stages have been revived and that will be a valuable psychological weapon.

Lauren admitted: "It was a pressure game and we won it. We hadn't won in the Champions League for so long and this was the time we had to get a victory. That has kept the spirits high and now the aim is to get three more points so we can keep the momentum going and stay at the top of the Premiership.

"We have done well so far and we want to continue winning. It is as simple as that."

But what of Tottenham? Lauren may only have been a north London resident for just over three years but he is aware of the cliche that in derby games, form goes out of the window. He will also be aware that Tottenham have been less than impressive this season but was unwilling to give their great rivals even a morsel of disrespect that could be used against his side.

"The position in the league doesn't mean anything," he said. "You have to be strong and win the game. That is what derby games are all about. I have learned that much."

A win would be the perfect send-off for what looks like being an unwanted holiday for Lauren.