By Andrew Fraser BBC Sport Online

Sol Campbell can return to Tottenham on Sunday safe in the knowledge that all the flak he has taken since his move to Arsenal has been worth it.

That is the view of former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, who believes Campbell's first north London derby for the Gunners a year ago was a defining moment in his career.

Campbell ran a gauntlet of hate in the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane last November.

You have to applaud Sol for taking the decision he did Alan Smith

The Arsenal team bus was pelted with missiles on its way to the ground, and the former Spurs captain had plastic bottles thrown at him during the game.

But Smith believes Campbell's composed display in the heat of battle gave him the confidence to help Arsenal go on to win the Double.

"There must have been a shadow hanging over Sol and he would have been very relieved to get that game out of his system," Smith told BBC Sport Online.

"If he'd had a stinker it would have been fairly humiliating, but he showed a lot of character and played very well.

"I think it was the game that got everybody on his side and turned him into an Arsenal player."

Spurs supporters initially delighted in Campbell's shaky start to his Arsenal career after his free transfer switch to Highbury.

Spurs fans cannot forgive Campbell for his defection

But as Arsenal fans are constantly reminding them, Campbell now has hard evidence to justify his decision to leave White Hart Lane.

"I was surprised he went to Arsenal because he was taking on board such a huge challenge," said Smith.

"He had to live in London and go out and walk the streets. He was bound to get a lot of stick and it did turn nasty for a while.

"You have to applaud him for taking the decision he did. It's always hard when you come to a club but if you win something in your first season it's just fantastic."

Arsenal's defensive frailties are partly to blame for the recent dip in form which has allowed Chelsea and Manchester United to close the gap at the top of the Premiership.

But Smith insists Campbell's partnership with summer signing Pascal Cygan will take time to settle down.

"Irrespective of the fact that it's Spurs, Arsenal will want to get back to it in the Premiership and go on another run," said Smith.

"White Hart Lane would be a great place to start one. Most clubs do have a blip and the lads at Arsenal would like to think they've had it now.

"I don't think there is anyone to touch them when they're playing well and I think they will win the League."