Martin Ødegaard’s stunning 75th-minute strike earned Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Napoli in their Champions League league-phase opener at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night.
The Arsenal captain produced a moment of individual brilliance when he curled a left-footed effort from outside the box beyond goalkeeper Alex Meret, with the ball going in off the far post.
Substitute Christos Tzolis provided the assist as Arsenal finally broke the deadlock after dominating large periods of the contest.
Mikel Arteta’s side controlled possession and created the better opportunities throughout the match, registering more than 20 attempts on goal.
Napoli, who were without several key players including Scott McTominay, struggled to find a way through Arsenal’s well-organised defence under Massimiliano Allegri.
The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser late on, but Arsenal held firm to secure a valuable clean sheet and three points on the road.
The victory provides Arsenal with an ideal start to their European campaign following their runners-up finish in last season’s competition.
Arsenal dominate but waste chances
Arsenal started strongly and recorded a club-record 13 shots in the first half of a Champions League away fixture.
However, their dominance was not reflected on the scoresheet as several chances went begging.
Mikel Merino saw an early header saved comfortably by Meret, while Bukayo Saka fired over after finding himself in a promising position just before half-time.
Piero Hincapié also missed a golden opportunity early in the second half when he somehow sent his close-range effort over the crossbar.
Arteta responded by introducing fresh legs, with Tzolis and Noni Madueke adding greater attacking impetus.
Madueke later had the opportunity to put the result beyond doubt but failed to beat Meret in a late one-on-one situation.
Despite their profligacy in front of goal, Arsenal maintained control of the match and rarely looked vulnerable at the other end.
David Raya was largely untroubled as the Gunners secured an impressive away victory and extended their perfect start to the season across all competitions.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Premier League, with a trip to Sunderland awaiting them on Saturday.
The Gunners will then face Ipswich Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Portman Road on Tuesday before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion on September 19, their final fixture before the international break.
