Declan Rice appeared to injure his back in the latter stages of Arsenal's Premier League win over West Ham (Image: (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images))

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice enjoyed a stellar afternoon against his former club West Ham in a 2-0 Premier League victory at Emirates Stadium, but it seemed to come to a premature end. The England international was back in the starting XI on Saturday after being rested in the Champions League.

With the Gunners sure to dominate the ball, Arteta opted to deploy captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Eberechi Eze in the two No.8 roles with Rice at the base of midfield.

Unfortunately, that tactical plan needed to be altered when Odegaard, who attempted to carry on after treatment, was forced off in the 30th minute.

The Norway international had been taken off in the first half of Arsenal's last two league games at Emirates Stadium because of a shoulder injury, but it was an issue in his knee that saw him eventually replaced by Martin Zubimendi.

His introduction saw Rice pushed further forward and that allowed him to be in the right place at the right time to slot home the opening...