FA Cup: 5 in 5 forward boasts Emirates fortress ahead of Spurs clash

Theo Walcott has spoken of his excitement of coming up against Tottenham Hotspur once again, claiming it is the first game he looks for on the fixture list every season.

Spurs and Arsenal have a long-running rivalry and come face-to-face in the FA Cup third round on Saturday at the Emirates, a stadium that Spurs have only managed to win at on one occasion.

And the Gunners’ winger is relishing coming up against the old enemy one extra time, with Arsenal in fine form as they sit top of the Premier League table going into the second half of the season.

Walcott told Arsenal’s official website, “For the neutrals, it’s going to be a very interesting battle. It’s one of those games that’s going to be very open, I’m pretty sure of that.

“The first fixture I always look at is Tottenham. Every time Tottenham come here or we go there, you want to put 100% in, or more if you can.

“It’s at the Emirates, we’re trying to make our stadium a fortress and we’re starting to do that.

“These are massive games, the games everybody wants to be part of. We’ve had a busy festive period going into the New Year and everyone needs to recover well.

“Hopefully players can come back, but for Tottenham we’ve got to be right up for it. I can’t wait for that game.

“Hard work will decide it. If everyone’s doing their jobs right and working hard for each other – that’s what it comes down to in the end.”

Arsenal come into the cup derby clash full of confidence, but will be wary of a Spurs side that have become rejuvenated since Tim Sherwood took over the reins from Andre Villas-Boas, winning three out of four games over the festive period.

So can Walcott prove to be the difference between the North London rivals?

Walcott has hit a purple patch of form in front of goal lately, having failed to find the net in his first eight games that came either side of an injury lay-off.

The winger has scored five goals in the last five games, including two against fellow London rivals West ham on Boxing Day, while he has also managed to create 12 chances for team-mates in that period.