Arsenal captain Martin Odegard became the first player in Premier League history to be replaced before halftime in the third consecutive league start.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegard became the first player in Premier League history to be replaced before halftime at the start of three consecutive Premier Leagues. Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta has revived the Norwegian midfielder into his starting lineup with West Ham following a series of impressive performances from the bench.
His season was plagued by shoulder problems and now a knee injury has replaced him with Martin Zubimendi. Despite trying to get over the pain, Odegard was unable to continue and took off in the first half.
According to Stats expert Opta, the 26-year-old has since set unnecessary records as he became the first player in Premier League history to be replaced before halftime.
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However, Odegard’s early exit had no effect on Saturday’s results as Arsenal ran a 2-0 winner against the Hammer. Declan Rice broke the deadlock before Bukayo Saka scored from the penalty spot.
However, Arteta cuts down the Downbeat figure when he was quized after an Odegaard fitness match. He said:
“He put on the braces. We had to wait from the doctor, but we were very unlucky about it. Yeah, we didn’t have him from the start for some reason. Shoulder twice, and this injury.
“We need to wait for the extent of the injury. We have to find a solution, but we are clearly our captain, especially the player who gives us a completely different dimension to what he can do with offense.
Meanwhile, Rice was replaced by 11 minutes from time at his own request with a back problem after going to the ground and receiving treatment.
The midfielder has always been around Arsenal this season, but he now has doubts about England. He will play Wales and Latvia during the upcoming international break.
“Well, he asked me to get off so it’s not okay, so that’s a shame,” Arteta said when asked about Rice.
“He had back pain and couldn’t continue. This is very unusual for Declan, so we have to rate him and see how he is.”
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