The Premier League have defended the organisation of their fixtures following criticism from Arsene Wenger whose side had to play three games in a week. The Frenchman was unhappy the Gunners next opponents Hull City were not in action in midweek and will have had longer to prepare for Saturday's clash.
"The Premier League fixture calendar is a complicated process," said a Premier League spokesperson.
"It is as fair as possible to the clubs who all take an active part in the process ahead of the fixtures being announced."
The Premier League season concludes on 9th May due to the World Cup, while other factors for the way fixtures have been compiled include the UEFA Champions League last-16 matches being played over four weeks rather than two.
The final of the Champions League being on a Saturday also impacts on the FA Cup final.
The spokesperson explained: "This Barclays Premier League season has been a particularly difficult one to schedule given an increased amount of Champions League and Europa League dates from UEFA, and a truncated season because of the FIFA World Cup. That will not be the case next season."
