Lauren rejects the theory that Arsenal cannot win anything this
season without the inspirational presence of his friend Thierry
Henry.
They played together and won titles and cups as team-mates in north
London but despite the camaraderie forged over the years, Lauren
believes Arsenal will soon rise again without Henry's magical
touch.
Full-back Lauren makes his playing return to the Emirates this
afternoon with Portsmouth the club he joined after he was shown
the door by mentor Arsene Wenger.
The man from Cameroon said: 'I feel good about going back. I am fit
and I return with an excellent team. We have already proved we can
play against the best and that is what we must continue to do
against Arsenal.
'It was a disappointment to me when I had to leave the club after
six-and-a- half years. It was a long time, it was a special time.
But in football, that's life. You move on, you have new
horizons.
'What I know is Arsenal have exceptional young players. They'll
miss Thierry and in the big matches they will certainly miss the
winning quality he offers.
'But what they possess is the philosophy, the mentality instilled
in them by Arsene Wenger. It will drive them on.
