Footballers are usually celebrated for setting impressive records, but some make headlines for the most unexpected and unusual stats they achieve.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard made history in his side’s 2-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday, although it was not for a goalscoring feat or an impressive milestone.
Instead, the Norwegian set a new record, becoming the first player in EPL history to be substituted before halftime in three consecutive league starts. Quite a record, isn’t it?
Arsenal vs Leeds United (23rd August, 2025)
The Arsenal captain started the 5-0 win over newly-promoted Leeds United in their second league game of the season, but was substituted in the first half.
Odegaard first went down in the 27th minute after he landed awkwardly on his shoulder and could not participate further in the game. He was replaced by teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri in the 38th minute.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest (13th September, 2025)
Martin Odegaard was declared fit to start after the September international break as Arsenal welcomed Nottingham Forest to the Emirates in Ange Postecoglou’s first game in charge of the visitors.
The Norway international went down just few minutes into the match and had to come off in the 18th minute of the clash, being replaced once again by Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal vs West Ham United (4th October, 2025)
Odegaard set a new record on Saturday afternoon, following his substitution in the first half of the 2-0 win over West Ham United.
The 26-year-old had missed three matches for Arsenal, before returning in the 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
He played the entire 90 minutes and delivered a masterclass performance, earning him the player of the match award in the midweek UCL win over Olympiacos.
However, he went down following a collision with Summerville in the 18th minute and struggled to continue further, before going off for Martin Zubimendi after 30 minutes.
