“I am not involved in any decision. I do not do the schedule. I have no influence on the fixtures, the referees, not on anything else here.”

The words of Sir Alex as he contemplates a maximum of 14 games in the next six weeks, Carlo Ancelotti as he attempts to revive Chelsea or Ian Holloway as he tries to keep Blackpool in the Premier League? No, those were the words of Arsene Wenger during a bizarre rant about an alleged conspiracy in the fixture list – despite Arsenal only having eight more games!

Le Boss vented his fury at the fact Arsenal have to play on Sundays for the rest of the season and after Manchester United. But a closer look shows Arsenal only have to play after United three times before the Premier League closes up shop in six weeks time. Six of the last eight games have been moved by Sky Sports, a company which paid £1billion for the privilege. A decision which was probably made when Arsenal were just two points behind in the title race not the seven they are now.

Truth be told, this latest outburst is somewhat expected from a man who seems to have imploded almost at the same time as his team. Since the Carling Cup final shocker, Arsenal have won ONE game of football – a 5-0 slaying of League One Leyton Orient who had held the Gunners to a draw at Brisbane Road. Three must-wins against Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn became three agonising and soul-destroying draws. Meanwhile Manchester United have won 1-0 against Bolton with 10 men and mounted a lazarus like recovery to beat West Ham United 4-2.

Fergie has grown in strength despite being hauled from his perch in the dug-out while Arsene has ranted at a referee, became embroiled in a club v country row and bafflingly re-signed a 41-year-old goalkeeper. As well as the dark clouds of despair, many Gooners must now be wondering what is going on at the Emirates, the successful professor who won league titles has been replaced by a mad scientist convinced his experiment will one day pay off.

And now this, a bizarre attack on the fixture list despite the fact that, save for one week between now and May, Arsenal will have at least six days between games. Meanwhile Manchester United could win a treble by May 29 – whose camp would you rather be in?

Suddenly Arsenal’s run in looks full of banana skins, what price an already catastrophic spring becoming a miserable May? Second place is far from secure and the way things are going in this 38 hurdle contest, Arsenal could fall at the last – will it be enough to see Wenger dismount? You wouldn’t rule it out now...