Odegaard Fires Arsenal to Champions League Victory at Napoli
Martin Odegaard’s long-range finish gave Arsenal a vital opening-night Champions League win at Napoli, settling a demanding contest in Italy after Mikel Arteta’s side had failed to take several earlier chances.
The Arsenal captain struck from outside the penalty area to send the club’s 1,500 travelling supporters into celebration and secure three points in the first match of the league phase. It was Arsenal’s return to Europe’s leading club competition following the disappointment of last season’s final.
Odegaard’s goal continued an outstanding start to the campaign for the Norway international. He has scored four times in five matches in all competitions, with his Community Shield effort included in that total.
Arsenal miss early openings
Arsenal controlled much of the match but initially risked leaving Naples without the result their performance deserved. Mikel Merino, making his first start for the club since January, had a clear first-half opportunity but directed his header straight at Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.
Bukayo Saka then put a promising attempt over the bar, while Piero Hincapie also failed to convert from close range, sending his effort over from inside the six-yard area.
Those misses kept Napoli in the contest, but Odegaard eventually supplied the quality Arsenal required, producing the decisive intervention with his strike from distance.
White clears after Raya spill
Napoli created enough danger to ensure the visitors could not relax. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya spilled a shot from Kevin De Bruyne, briefly leaving the ball loose in a dangerous area.
Ben White reacted before the Napoli forwards could capitalise, clearing the danger and preventing the home side from turning Raya’s error into an equalising chance.
Arsenal’s win gives Arteta’s team an important platform for the remainder of their Champions League league-phase campaign, having negotiated a difficult away assignment with a clean sheet and an early three-point return.
