Arsenal latest: Unwanted record set as private Thierry Henry message comes to light

Arsenal triumphed over West Ham on Saturday, making amends for frustrating home losses against the same team in each of the past two seasons. They finished the day at the summit of the Premier League table after rivals Liverpool suffered a late defeat at Chelsea, and will now enjoy a fortnight at the top as the league pauses for another international break. When Mikel Arteta and his squad return to the pitch, it will be for another London derby on October 18. The Gunners' will resume their season with an away game at Fulham, providing a chance to reunite with a few familiar faces such as Emile Smith Rowe and Bernd Leno.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were Arsenal's goalscorers on Saturday. Rice initiated the scoring against his old club, while Saka netted from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf. However, it wasn't all positive news for Arsenal. Martin Odegaard sustained an injury in the first half, and Arteta will be hoping his captain isn't sidelined for too long, having already had to cope without the likes of Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke. We have updates on several of Arsenal's high-profile players following the London side's ascent to the top of the league. Here's the latest from around the Emirates Stadium

Odegaard's unwanted record

Martin Odegaard once again failed to finish a Premier League match on Saturday, setting an undesirable record in the process. The Norwegian has become the first player in the history of the competition to be substituted in the first half of three consecutive matches.

Arsenal's captain was restricted to about 20 minutes in the matches against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest due to shoulder issues. He missed the draw with Manchester City, made a brief appearance from the bench against Newcastle, and was deemed fit to start against West Ham after coming through the Champions League match against Olympiacos unscathed.

However, a new problem emerged during the derby. "I think he had a clash knee-to-knee and immediately he was uncomfortable," Mikel Arteta revealed on Saturday. "I just spoke to him, he's not positive about it. He's got a brace on, we'll have to wait and see from the doctors. But we haven't been very lucky with that either."

Henry's message for Saka

Bukayo Saka disclosed a private message from Thierry Henry before the victory over West Ham. Arsenal had previously lost at home to the Hammers under the management of David Moyes and Graham Potter, but new boss Nuno couldn't replicate their success.

"Thierry messaged me this morning to remind we lost the last two games to West Ham at home. He is always pushing me. I am really happy to have my name with his records," Saka shared.

"[Saturday's win] showed the progress we have made. The last two seasons we slipped up at home against West Ham and we wanted to put that right today. We know the quality we have at the top end of the pitch and we know if we keep a clean sheet it is more than likely we will win the game."

Trossard welcomes competition

Leandro Trossard has welcomed the increased competition at Arsenal, stating that it has helped him improve his game. Despite rumours of a summer departure following the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Ebere Eze, the Belgian has continued to make an impact when given the opportunity.

"I would say it's a nice reward. I would say if you give something to the team, to the manager, you get the reward after that as well," Trossard told Sky Sports ahead of Saturday's home victory. "That's confidence you have to take with on the pitch. I think I'm in a good spot at the moment, and I hope I can give a lot more to the team."

Regarding the competition for positions, he added: "Obviously if you know there's a lot of quality waiting on the sideline to come in and show themselves as well, it pushes you to certain limits as well, I would say. But, I would say we have a really good group and understanding, as well. Everyone one can play, everyone has the quality to play."