'We Have to Adapt': Martin Odegaard Urges Arsenal Teammates to Respect New Premier League Rules

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has urged his teammates to adapt to the new Premier League rules, after Takehiro Tomiyasu was sent off for time-wasting in the Gunners' 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night.

"I don't know if it's difficult but it's new rules so we have to adapt," Odegaard said. "The first yellow card was harsh, I don't think he (Tomiyasu) was trying to take a lot of time, he just didn't have anyone to play to. It's a bit tricky but we have to adapt. That's the reality, we can't do anything else."

The new rules have been introduced to clamp down on time-wasting, and include a stricter interpretation of what constitutes deliberate handball, as well as a crackdown on players who take too long to take throw-ins and free-kicks.

Odegaard believes that Arsenal need to be careful not to fall foul of the new rules, but also that they should not let them distract them from the game.

"It's easier to get yellow cards now so you have to be careful and that goes for me as well," he said. "It's something to have in mind but I don't think we should think too much about the rules. We should stay focused on the game."

Arsenal face Fulham on Saturday, and Odegaard will be hoping that his teammates can heed his advice and avoid picking up any unnecessary yellow cards.