Martin Odegaard becomes first player in Premier League history to set unwanted record

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has become the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive Premier League starts. Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta had reinstated the Norwegian midfielder to his starting line-up against West Ham following a series of impressive performances off the bench.

His season has been plagued by shoulder issues, and now a knee injury has led to him being replaced by Martin Zubimendi. Despite attempting to play through the pain, Odegaard was unable to continue and was taken off in the first half.

The 26-year-old subsequently set an unwanted record as he became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive league starts, according to stats experts Opta.

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However, Odegaard's early exit did not affect Saturday's outcome as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners against the Hammers. Declan Rice broke the deadlock before Bukayo Saka scored from the penalty spot.

Arteta, though, cut a downbeat figure when quizzed on Odegaard’s fitness post-match. He said: “I think he had a clash, knee-to-knee and immediately he was uncomfortable. I just spoke to him and he is not positive about it.

“He has got a brace on. We will have to wait from the doctors but we have been very unlucky with that. Yeah we haven’t had him since the start for one reason or another. The shoulder twice and then this injury.

“We have to wait and see the extent of the injury. We will have to find solutions but obviously is our captain and is a player that gives us a completely different dimension with things that he can do, especially in the attack. Let’s wait and hopefully it is not that bad.”

Rice, meanwhile, was substituted 11 minutes from time at his own request with a back issue after going to ground and receiving treatment.

The midfielder has been ever-present for Arsenal this season, but he is now a doubt for England, who are due to play Wales and Latvia during the upcoming international break.

“Well, he’s not alright because he asked me to come off, so that’s a shame,” Arteta said when asked about Rice.

“He had pain in his back and he could not carry on, which is something very unusual for Declan, so we’ll have to assess him and see how he is.”

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