Martin Odegaard proved the difference-maker as Arsenal opened their Champions League campaign with a commanding 1-0 victory over Napoli, though the Gunners' profligacy in front of goal made for a far tighter contest than their dominance deserved.
The Norwegian midfielder's low drive from the edge of the box, which ricocheted off the post following intricate interplay, finally broke through Napoli's resistance and handed Mikel Arteta's side a winning start to the competition. For Odegaard, the strike marked his fourth goal in five matches this season, underlining his early-campaign form.
Arsenal's control of proceedings was overwhelming. The hosts registered 26 shots and accumulated 4.05 expected goals, yet repeatedly squandered opportunities that should have put the tie beyond doubt well before the interval. Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka both failed to capitalise on their most promising first-half openings, while Piero Hincapie's close-range effort after the restart flew over the crossbar.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Odegaard combined with substitute Christos Tzolis in a rapid one-two exchange before firing past the goalkeeper. Yet even after breaking the deadlock, Arsenal's finishing continued to betray them. Fellow substitute Noni Madueke found himself one-on-one with the Napoli defence but saw Tzolis's follow-up blocked on the line, denying what would have been a second goal.
Napoli offered precious little attacking threat throughout, with former Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne squandering perhaps their best opportunity when he was released through on goal in the closing stages. Rather than shooting, De Bruyne opted to cross, a decision that allowed Arsenal to secure their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions and a successful opening to their European challenge.
The result extends Arsenal's unbeaten run and provides Arteta's squad with momentum as they continue their bid to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts this season.
