Martin Ødegaard’s 75th-minute strike gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Napoli in Naples and a winning start to their Champions League campaign.
The Arsenal captain finished a flowing move with a low shot from the edge of the area which clipped the inside of the post before finding the net. It was his fourth goal in five matches this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated for long periods at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona but were made to work for the points after wasting a series of clear opportunities. Arsenal registered 26 attempts — their highest total in a Champions League match since records began in 2003-04 — and finished with an expected goals figure of 4.05.
Mikel Merino had an early header saved after Eberechi Eze redirected Bukayo Saka’s cross towards goal, while Saka later failed to make proper contact with another promising chance.
Arsenal’s frustration continued after the interval. Ødegaard sent Ben White into space and White’s cross picked out Piero Hincapié, but the defender somehow lifted his effort over from close range.
Martin Ødegaard settles Arsenal’s Champions League opener
The breakthrough eventually arrived following a 29-pass move. Substitute Christos Tzolis exchanged passes before finding Ødegaard, who kept his finish low and beyond goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić.
Arsenal had a chance to make the result safe soon afterwards when Kai Havertz sent Noni Madueke through on goal. The substitute’s effort was saved, while Tzolis was denied by a block on the line when he followed up.
Napoli created little by comparison, although Arsenal were given a late scare when Kevin De Bruyne found space in the closing stages. The former Manchester City midfielder appeared well placed to shoot but chose to cross, allowing the visitors to preserve their lead.
The result extended Arsenal’s run to 13 consecutive Champions League group-stage or league-phase victories. Arteta’s team have also kept 20 clean sheets in 40 Champions League matches under the manager.
Arsenal’s next league-phase fixture is at home to Lille on 13 October, while Napoli travel to Villarreal on the same date.
