EXCLUSIVE: Kevin Campbell has been speaking with the Islington Gazette’s Arsenal reporter Layth Yousif ahead of the crucial North London derby at the Islington Bar and Grill in association with FansBet. Read on for what the popular former striker had to say.

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has hailed Unai Emery’s side for showing ‘true character’ ahead of the eagerly-awaited North London derby at Wembley.

Arsenal travel to the national stadium on Saturday lunchtime to take on Spurs in one of the biggest fixtures in English football.

Despite the revamped White Hart Lane still not being ready for action the eagerly-awaited clash at the national stadium should be a cracker – with a hostile atmosphere to match.

Yet, popular former Gunner Campbell insists his former club will be up for the challenge against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Speaking exclusively at the Islington Bar and Grill in association with FansBet

Campbell told the Gazette: “The North London derby is a huge game for The Arsenal.

“Arsenal really have to turn up. It’s tight at the top of the Premier League and Spurs have lost their last two games and we’ve won the last three.

“Of course the form guide goes out of the window in games like this but it’s simply a matter of who wants it more on Saturday at Wembley.

“The team have to show up again and really push their weight about.

“It’s going to be a tough game but I think Arsenal can do it.”

Spurs will be out for revenge after Arsenal beat them 4-2 in the match at the Emirates in early December trumping Pochettino’s side in arguably their best display under Emery.

They picked up satisfaction of sorts when they won 2-0 in N5 in the fifth round of the Carabao Cup before Christmas to progress to the last four where they lost on penalties to Chelsea – but all that matters now is the result at the weekend.

Campbell, who looks as fighting fit as he did when he played under George Graham at Highbury, analysed the memorable league triumph before Christmas, added: “The 4-2 victory over Spurs in early December was a real marker as to how Arsenal can play.

“The most important thing in that game was being 2-1 behind at half-time after taking the lead and then pegging us back.

“Tottenham looked strong but Arsenal showed true character in coming back from that, scoring three goals. It’s the way they came back.

“There was toughness about them. The Arsenal fans in the crowd were up for it and it was great to see. Let’s hope for more of the same on Saturday.”

FansBet works with trusted and credible fan groups to enable them to provide a great experience for their members and to help make a difference to causes which matter most to them. Through their fan partner scheme we are committed to sharing 50 per cent of their net-profit with the proceeds being put towards fan causes such as away travel, supporter events, tickets and community projects.

See their website and blog https://blog.fansbet.com/ for more. FansBet are committed to offering unique live experiences to their partners. This event at the Islington Bar & Grill was put together for our three Arsenal fan partners, The Gooner Fanzine, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon and The Same Old Arsenal Podcast as an opportunity for them to showcase what they do and provide their fans with the chance to attend an event with Kevin Campbell.

FansBet Jason Ryan, Arsenal season ticket holder said: “It was great to see so many Arsenal fans in the room ahead of Spurs v Arsenal and hopefully the weekend will be as enjoyable as this event was.”

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See their website http://islingtonsportsbar.co.uk/