Another World

It’s a long way from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to Blackburn’s Ewood Park – in every sense. And as Arsenal prepare to return to Premiership duty after their Champions’ League triumph, they will be only too well aware that a culture shock awaits them.

And lest they forget, Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has been at pains to point out that his side will not stand off the Gunners as Real Madrid had done.

In view of Blackburn’s standing in one Sunday newspaper’s ‘foul play league’, that may well qualify as the understatement of the season and require the services of a strong referee (if Mr Hackett can find one).

All of which leaves us with two thoughts. First, Arsenal go to Blackburn in search not only of Premiership points but a day free of injury. And second, Mr Hughes’ managerial style – tough, uncompromising, humourless, ruthless – is increasingly betraying his long acquaintance with a certain Manchester United boss.