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Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has told the London Evening Standard he can handle the pressure of the derby atmosphere when his side face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday. Walcott has just returned to full fitness after the best part of a year on the sidelines when suffering a serious knee injury in the closing minutes of the FA Cup third-round win over Tottenham at Emirates Stadium in January 2014. The 25-year-old was carried off on a stretcher in front of the away supporters, some of whom threw objects to which the player responded with a 2-0 hand gesture. Walcott, whose injury shattered his World Cup dreams, claimed to thrive on the rivalry. "That is in the past," he said. "Me and the Tottenham fans have a good relationship in terms of the banter side of things. That's what comes with football. This is a massive game and it is all about the bragging rights. "Things like that have happened in the past and it won't be forgotten about, I'm sure, but it is one thing I've moved on from. Every player will get stick I am sure but it is about just trying to go out there and perform." Walcott, who has scored in his last two appearances since his return from a niggling groin problem, added: "Any criticism won't affect me at all. It is enjoyable -- it is a bit different and is always a great atmosphere at White Hart Lane. "It is probably the fixture I always look forward to playing in the most, to be fair. It is one of the biggest games for both sets of fans and this year it is going to be tight."
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