Odegaard Fires Arsenal to Champions League Win at Napoli
Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with a disciplined away win over Napoli on Wednesday, with captain Martin Odegaard scoring in the second half to settle a demanding night in Naples.
Why the result matters
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | Champions League |
| Arsenal shots | 26 |
| Match-winning scorer | Martin Odegaard |
| Napoli current run | Three defeats in all competitions |
| Napoli next match | Bologna at home, Sunday |
| Arsenal next match | Sunderland away, Stadium of Light |
The Premier League champions had control for long periods but found Napoli difficult to break down before Odegaard produced the decisive intervention after the interval. Arsenal’s pressure was reflected by their 26 attempts, although the hosts held firm until the visitors combined sharply around the penalty area.
Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri identified that move as the decisive lapse, saying his side had failed to track a quick one-two. He nevertheless praised Arsenal as one of Europe’s leading teams and felt Napoli had competed well, particularly during an even first half.
Allegri said Arsenal increased the intensity after the break, but maintained that his players had given him little cause for criticism. He also took encouragement from Napoli’s defensive display, arguing that the team might have avoided recent Serie A losses to Como and Inter had they defended with similar organisation.
The defeat leaves Napoli on a three-match losing sequence across domestic and European football. Their immediate task is to stop that run when Bologna visit on Sunday, while Arsenal head back to league duty with a trip to Sunderland and the chance to build on their winning start in Europe.
