Arsenal's Theo Walcott says any animosity between he and Tottenham fans is in the past as the teams prepare to contest the North London derby on Saturday.
Walcott reminded Spurs fans of Arsenal's two-goal advantage as he was carted off in their match in January 2014. After signaling 2-0 on his fingers, Walcott spent 10 months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
He'll return to White Hart Lane for the first time since suffering the injury, but he says he now enjoys the "banter" with the fans of the Gunners' rivals.
"That is in the past," he told the London Evening Standard. "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.
"Any criticism won't affect me at all. It is enjoyable -- it's a bit different and it 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."
Walcott has scored the previous two weekends for Arsenal, who have been rejuvenated since his return, winning all four matches he has played.
Arsenal sit in fifth place on goal difference behind Southampton and are just two points ahead of Tottenham in sixth place.
"I think it is an even bigger game this year than ever," said Walcott. "Tottenham are doing very well, getting those last-minute goals which shows a knack of getting important three points. It will be two very strong teams that are very high on confidence so for the neutral it will be a very interesting game.
"It is going to be difficult to call but if we play the way we did against Villa, hopefully, it will be ours. A draw wouldn't be a terrible result but we always play to win.
"They have been very comfortable on the ball, passing it well and pressing it high up. [Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino] likes his sides to be right on you from the start and they are difficult to break down. They have got a fantastic goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris, who is very sharp off his line. He is making some fantastic saves.
"And, of course, they have [Christian] Eriksen, who has been one of the most underrated players in the Premier League this season. He has stood out but we have Santi [Cazorla], who is also in great form and not always getting recognition, either."