Wenger denies striking rift

Arsene Wenger has denied talk of a rift between Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied that there is a strain in the relationship between Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie.

Henry is rumoured to be becoming increasingly frustrated with van Persie's wastefulness, but Wenger claims there is no rift between his striking duo.

"Strikers always get frustrated," said Wenger in The Daily Mirror, "but I don't see any problem with them.

"Robin has improved tremendously. When he came here he was not in the team at Feyenoord, and is now a regular in the Dutch national team.

"That tells you the strides he has made and I think he is a great player."

The rumours of a clash between Henry and van Persie increased during The Gunners' 1-0 defeat to CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League, after Henry visibly lost his temper as a van Persie chance was wasted.

"He [van Persie] got frustrated on one occasion on Tuesday," said Wenger.

"He showed hesitation, touched the ball again and then it was too late as the keeper had come out. But that can happen."

The Dutch striker has struggled for goals this term, despite his wonder-strike against Charlton, netting only three times in 11 games.