Misfiring Arsenal beat Napoli with Odegaard stunner in Champions League

Arsenal opened their Champions League group-phase campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 win at Napoli, the match settled by a spectacular long-range strike from captain Martin Odegaard in the 75th minute. The visitors controlled much of the ball and fashioned several clear chances but found a well-organised Napoli defence difficult to break down until Odegaard’s decisive effort struck the post and went in.

Mikel Arteta made four changes from the side that beat Chelsea at the weekend, with Piero Hincapie, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres handed starts. Napoli, who had made midfield alterations after injuries to Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa forced changes for their manager, set up to absorb pressure and hit on the break. Alex Meret produced a couple of early saves and was later forced off injured at half-time, with Vanja Milinkovic-Savic taking over in goal.

Arsenal repeatedly came close before the breakthrough: Merino saw a header pushed over, Bukayo Saka dragged a one-on-one finish wide, and Hincapie missed a close-range chance after the interval. Napoli threatened on counters, with Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund creating problems for the visitors, and Milinkovic-Savic made a crucial late block to deny Noni Madueke. Despite a stoppage-time effort from Kai Havertz being ruled out for offside, Arsenal held on for the win.

The victory continues Arsenal’s strong start to the season — they began their Premier League title defence with three straight wins — and adds to last season’s positive European run, when they won all eight of their group games en route to the final. Arsenal now return home to host Lille on October 13, while Napoli will travel to Villarreal on the same date as they seek to respond to this defeat.