Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge of Arsenal ended on a worrying note after captain Martin Ødegaard limped off with a knee injury during the 2-0 victory over West Ham.
The Norwegian left the Emirates with his left knee in a brace following a collision with Crysencio Summerville before half-time. Declan Rice, who scored Arsenal’s opener against his former club, was also forced off in the second half with a back problem, casting doubt on his availability for England’s upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia.
“He had a clash knee-to-knee and immediately felt uncomfortable,” Arteta said. “He’s not positive about it, he’s got a brace on. We’ll have to wait and see what the doctors say. He’s our captain and gives us a different dimension, especially in attack, so hopefully it’s not that bad.”
Ødegaard has endured a stop-start campaign, having already missed time with a shoulder injury and becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive matches.
Arteta also expressed concern over Rice’s issue: “He asked to come off, which is unusual for him. He had pain in his back and couldn’t carry on.”
Bukayo Saka sealed the win with a second-half penalty on his 200th Premier League appearance, helping Arsenal maintain pressure on leaders Liverpool. “The last two seasons we slipped up at home against West Ham and we wanted to put that right today,” Saka said. “If we keep a clean sheet, it’s more than likely we’ll win.”
For West Ham, Nuno Espírito Santo’s second game in charge brought another defeat, leaving his side in the relegation zone. “This week has been full of new challenges,” he said. “The international break will be useful to settle down and address all aspects of our game.”
