No one could accuse extravagant big spenders like Chelsea of furtively sneaking to the top, but it is a fact that they have emerged as the main beneficiary of the long, unedifying squabble between Arsenal and United.
The defeat at Old Trafford was not in itself the downfall of Arsenal's Premiership season. It was the aftermath that gnawed at their confidence and belief and, ultimately, opened the door for Chelsea.
Arsenal imbued that one Old Trafford setback with far too much significance.
The way they were playing at the time, they could easily have accommodated one defeat to United and continued to set the agenda at the top of the table.
Instead, that 2-0 defeat and Arsenal's subsequent sense of injustice became an excuse for a collapse in form that saw just three wins registered in the following 10 first-team fixtures.
Now, barring some unforeseen mishap, Chelsea will win the title for the first time in 50 years and end a decade-long Arsenal-United duopoly in the Premiership.
Wenger has won three championships in that time and came nearest to a successful defence in 1998-99 when his team finished just one point behind United.
When they meet at Highbury tonight, however, the runners-up spot will be the best either can realistically hope for.
The Arsenal manager remains stoical, refusing to surrender the title, but like Ferguson will now be focusing more on the Champions League programme that resumes later this month.
For once, this heavyweight clash lacks its usual urgency. Frequently in past seasons it has had a significant bearing on the outcome of the title race, but that is not the case this time.
This may strip away some of the antagonism that lurks under the surface every time they meet.
Sol Campbell for instance, still feels affronted by the manner in which Wayne Rooney hurled himself over his leg for that decisive penalty at Old Trafford in October.
There have been far more troublesome encounters - long before Wenger's arrival, a 21-man brawl at Old Trafford 14 years ago saw the Football Association deduct two points from Arsenal, one from United and fine both £50,000.
Over the years, though, the bickering between the two clubs has been a motivating factor, fuelling their attempts to win the title.
But it is no longer a two-horse race. Jose Mourinho's success this season is a lesson to both Ferguson and Wenger.
The losers tonight can consign their championship bid to the back burner. Even a draw is of little use to either team.
The winners would at least have the consolation of trimming Chelsea's lead back to seven points - until they meet Blackburn tomorrow.
