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Mikel Arteta voiced serious concern regarding Martin Ødegaard's knock to the knee after Ødegaard was forced off in a two-nil win which maintained their challenge at the top of the English top flight.

Twin Fitness Blow for The Gunners

Ødegaard left the Emirates wearing a brace on the injured knee following a collision with an opponent in the first period.

The England midfielder was likewise withdrawn in the second half because of back pain, raising questions on his availability ahead of upcoming internationals.

"He suffered a clash directly on the knee, and immediately he was uncomfortable," the manager remarked. "I've spoken to him, he's not positive about it, he's got a brace on. We'll have to wait and see from the doctors."

Concerning Trend for Captain

The fitness of the captain – who became the first footballer in Premier League history to be substituted three games in a row before half-time – is causing significant concern for the manager.

"We haven't had him from the beginning of the season due to various issues, the shoulder twice followed by this injury," Arteta continued. "As our skipper, he's a footballer who provides a completely different dimension, particularly in attacking."

Declan Rice Likewise Substituted

On the subject of Rice, the boss commented: "He's not all right since he requested to come off, which is unfortunate. He had pain in his back area and he could not carry on, which is something very unusual for him, so we need to evaluate him and check his condition."

Saka discussing Squad Improvement

The winger, who scored a penalty in his 200th Premier League appearance, highlighted the squad's resolve to rectify past losses at the Emirates against the Hammers.

"It demonstrated the development we have made," Saka stated. "We were determined to put that right today. We know our ability we have in attack and we know if we keep a clean sheet it is more than likely emerge victorious the match."

The Hammers' New Situation

Nuno Espírito Santo, overseeing his second match since replacing his predecessor, faces a difficult job as the team still in the relegation zone.

"This week was a lot of new challenges, novel situations, a lot of changes," he admitted. "In my view the international break is going to be extremely beneficial for settling down the mind and focus, yet every facet of the game we have to address."