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.
