Arsenal vs Tottenham: Rob Holding relishing the challenge of shackling in-form Harry Kane

The 23-year-old is preparing for his first north London derby, and an individual duel against the England captain

Arsenal defender Rob Holding insists he is relishing the prospect of keeping Harry Kane quiet when he faces Tottenham for the first time on Sunday.

Unai Emery’s men prepared for the first north London derby of the season with a 3-0 Europa League victory against Vorskla in Kiev on Thursday, with Holding the only player to keep his place following the weekend win at Bournemouth.

The 23-year-old has started 13 of Arsenal's last 15 fixtures but has never featured for the club against Spurs since joining in 2016 – although that looks set to change this weekend.

Victory over their neighbours at the Emirates Stadium would be enough to lift Arsenal above Tottenham in the table and into the top four in the process.

Kane will be looking to add to his fine recent form in the derby; the England captain has scored seven in his last eight outings in the particular fixture and has amassed the same number of Premier League goals so far this season.

Holding – who himself harbours ambitions on breaking into the Gareth Southgate’s squad – says that while Kane will pose a challenge, it is one he is looking forward to.

Asked how you go about stopping Kane, Holding said: “I don't know. He scores goals, doesn't he? If he doesn't score a goal, I'll be happy.

“It's one I'm looking forward to. I've been on the bench against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in my first year [at Arsenal]. It was a good experience the first time, especially away at White Hart Lane.

Holding has become a key figure under Emery, starting 13 of Arsenal's last 15 fixtures (Getty)

“Their crowd was up and our fans were giving it some. It seemed like a hot atmosphere to play in so I'm looking forward to that. I'm looking forward to going up against Harry Kane.”

An 18-match unbeaten run, as well as some scintillating football at times under Emery, has seen the Arsenal fanbase reconnect with the club.

A growing number of supporters called for Arsene Wenger's reign to come to an end and since the Frenchman was replaced by Emery in the summer, there have been chants of ‘We've got our Arsenal back’ at some games.

Holding has now called on the fans to maintain the same enthusiasm this weekend to help the players overcome their local adversaries.

“Yes, everyone is together,” he replied when asked if there has been a re-connection with fans.

“We knew with the new manager it was going to be a process. He's come in and had a good first half of the season.

“With the fans behind us and the manager, the players are all buying into it. We're in a positive momentum at the moment.

“For the players, we just know it is a big game for the fans and that is mainly our focus. We want to beat Tottenham and give fans the bragging rights and let them enjoy their weekend.

“Our fans will be behind us and we've just got to prove to them that we can beat Tottenham.”