Despite being labeled as Arsenal’s best defence, the humble Lee Dixon downplayed the force he was a key part of, writing in his column for The Independent: “I was fortunate to play in an Arsenal back line that earned itself a reputation as being OK. I’m not trying to be overly modest in saying that, as individuals, we weren’t the best players in the world.
But certainly all my weaknesses were compensated for by Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn, Martin Keown and Steve Bould, and vice versa. If one of us wasn’t playing well, the others picked up the slack.”
Lee Dixon was signed by George Graham in January 1988, playing at a First Division side for the first time and the task of becoming a regular in the team was not an easy one. With England international Kenny Sansom claiming the left back position, equally polished left back Nigel Winterburn was moved to the right back position where he flourished, and it was hard for Dixon to break through and get his name on the first team sheet.
However, Dixon’s first appearance came in his first season as a Gunner when he made his debut against Luton Town in February 1988 and ended up playing six times before the season ended. The next year, Winterburn was moved to his usual left back, and this saw the emergence of Dixon who took over the right defensive side.
The Englishman was Arsenal’s right back for over a decade, forming an incredible barricade at the back alongside Winterburn, Mr. Arsenal Tony Adams, and the long-serving David O’ Leary. Arsenal’s rigid defence was later joined by Dixon’s former teammate at Stoke and Arsenal’s current assistant manager, Steve Bould. Together, they formed the unconventional back five that lead Arsenal to their first league title in eighteen years during a dramatic final game of the season.
Let me take you back to that legendary night at Anfield that I’m sure we’ve all either watched or heard about on countless occasions. Arsenal were 1-0 against league leaders Liverpool away from home and the clock showed that the 90 mins were up. Arsenal needed a 2-0 lead to win the league, a job that just seemed impossible. Arsenal were the underdogs, and were playing in front of a roaring crowd at Anfield. The Gunners took possession of the ball with the referee getting ready to blow his whistle. Dixon mounted one final desperation attack, delivering a long, beautiful ball which was met by Alan Smith’s chest. Alan Smith’s run freed up some space, and midfielder Michael Thomas made a charge inside, took Smith’s sideway pass and netted the ball past the Liverpool keeper. It was over, and Arsenal snatched away the title from Liverpool on their home turf, winning the league in a miraculous manner. This was Dixon’s first of honour of many as a Gunner, but perhaps his most memorable.
In 1996, the manager we all know and love took charge of Arsenal. The man who’s almost named after the club, the man who made Arsenal the team they are today: The great Arsène Wenger. The Frenchman admitted he was expecting to replace the defenders he inherited quickly, but just as quickly realised that he didn’t have to. Dixon’s attacking nature in particular caught Wenger’s eye, who emphasized that fullbacks should support their attacking teammates. The aging Arsenal No.2 was still a crucial asset for the team and helped them to “double” success in 1998. Dixon defied retirement and it seemed like he never wanted to stop. The England international decided to give one more season and successfully aided Arsenal to yet another historic “double” win in 2002 that came on the grounds of archrivals Manchester United this time.
Dixon retired following that delightful win at 38 years of age, earning himself the title of an “Arsenal legend”, after making 619 appearances for the club, leaving him fourth in the all-time list of appearances and winning four league titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, 3 FA Community Shields, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with Arsenal.
The Englishman also had the remarkable feat of adding 25 goals to his name under the Gunners.
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