Arsenal players are concerned over a developing rift between manager Arsene Wenger and coach Steve Bould.The Sun says after the Capital One Cup shootout defeat to Bradford City the players talked of increasing strain between Wenger and No 2 Bould.

Former player Bould only replaced long-term servant Pat Rice in the summer.

A source said: "There does not seem to be much communication between the two.

"It is a shame because all the players are behind Wenger despite the results but equally, they all respect Bould. Things are strained."

The source said that Wenger is still in total charge of the players.

They added: "Bould worked with the defence before the start of the season but he has not done too many sessions since.

"Wenger remains in complete control over everything."