Arsenal’s legendary right-back Lee Dixon, whose career in North London spanned the majority of the George Graham era and the first six years of Arsene Wenger’s reign has been talking exclusively to the Islington Gazette ahead of Saturday’s North London derby.

Dixon, who has been busy as executive producer of the stunning documentary 89 The Film took time out from his busy schedule to preview the eagerly-awaited clash between the bitter rivals at the Emirates on Saturday.

With Spurs earning acclaim for their strong squad as criticism over Wenger’s methods grows the derby is as finely balanced as it has been for more than three decades.

Arsenal fan and former player Dixon analysed Saturday’s visitors. He said: “Standing from the sidelines and being a supporter – while also working in the media you get the best of both worlds so I’m at the games and I feel the fans pain when they lose.

“The way Tottenham have performed over the last three years they’ve really formed into a formidable well-balanced attacking team.

“They’ve combined well and when you give them one of the best head coaches in the world and a new amazing training stadium and impressive training ground – it’s almost like they should be called The Arsenal.

“Because that’s what we had a while ago – a great coach, a great team, a great training ground, a great stadium.

“So we’ve got all the ingredients - we’ve just lost our way a little bit.”

Dixon who memorably explained in 89 The Film just how much the North London derby meant to the Class of 89 when he shared a tale about what happened to him before kick-off ahead of his first match against the old foes in September 1988.

Despite many saying the current team simply don’t care as much Dixon tried to be positive by underlining how the club’s fortunes can improve with a victory over the Lillywhites from N17,

He added: “Saturday’s fixture is one of those games which can be pivotal in the season.

“Arsenal can take huge strides in turning around their season with a win. By beating Spurs they can really set themselves up.

“For an Arsenal side there really is no bigger team to do that against than Tottenham.”

89 The Film is out now.