After putting six goals past Blackpool last weekend, Arsenal travel to Blackburn with a hige psychological advantage, but their away performance record will be a point of concern.

Arsenal haven’t won an away victory since March and Blackburn will be eager to get their 1,000th win in top-flight football against Arsenal should they overcome the gunners this afternoon.

Arsenal took one point from their final four away fixtures last season, a run that ended their title hopes, and they were fortunate to draw at Liverpool a fortnight ago. If Wenger’s side are to challenge for silverware this season, their away record will have to improve.

Wenger is certainly braced for a bruising encounter, urging match officials to offer more protection to goalkeepers. After watching Tottenham’s game at Stoke, which was refereed by Saturday’s referee Chris Foy, Wenger said: “You cannot say any more it is football, it is rugby on the goalkeepers.”

The Gunners swatted aside Lancastrian opposition last weekend, thrashing newly-promoted Blackpool 6-0, but will face a far tougher examination at Ewood Park.

Blackburn held Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool on home turf last season, and beat Arsene Wenger’s men 2-1 in May. Unashamedly direct and physical, Rovers will relish the chance to unsettle the Gunners.