Odegaard Fires Arsenal to Champions League Victory at Napoli
Arsenal opened their new Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win away to Napoli, with Martin Odegaard’s second-half goal separating the sides at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night.
Match and fixture board
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Napoli 0-1 Arsenal | Champions League, Wednesday |
| Match winner | Martin Odegaard | Second-half goal |
| Next match | Sunderland vs Arsenal | Saturday night |
| Next European fixture | Arsenal vs Lille | October 13, north London |
Mikel Arteta’s side had to work for the result in Italy, but their control of possession and the game’s rhythm eventually produced the decisive moment. Odegaard struck after the interval to reward an Arsenal performance that kept Napoli under sustained pressure.
The victory gives Arsenal an immediate platform in the competition after last season’s painful near miss. The Gunners reached the final in Budapest before losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, and their opening performance against the Serie A opposition suggested they remain equipped to challenge deep into Europe again.
Alessandro Del Piero singled out Arsenal’s physical level and their ability to dictate the contest. The former Italy forward felt Napoli, rather than the visiting side, showed signs of fatigue during the closing stages.
“By the 80th minute Napoli were tiring, not Arsenal,” Del Piero said. “Arsenal had more of the ball because of the way they play.”
Odegaard’s contribution continued a strong opening to the season for the Norway international, who had dealt with both form and fitness difficulties during Arsenal’s title-winning campaign last term. Del Piero believes the midfielder benefits from a system that gives him the right positions and support to influence matches.
He added that players of Odegaard’s profile can flourish when confidence, structure and the quality of experienced team-mates combine, stressing that the issue is not simply one of physical endurance but also psychology, positioning and playing style.
Arsenal now turn back to domestic matters with a Saturday-night trip to Sunderland. Their next Champions League assignment comes on October 13, when Lille visit north London as Arteta’s squad aim to build on an assured start in Naples.
