Late winner secures victory
Martin Ødegaard scored 15 minutes from time to give Arsenal a 1-0 win at Napoli in their Champions League opener. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure, with substitute Christos Tzolis setting up the captain, whose shot went in off the post despite a fingertip save from Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. The win was deserved, though Noni Madueke should have added a second late on.[S1]
Arsenal had to wait for their breakthrough after travel chaos delayed the team and hundreds of supporters. They also had to wear red shorts for the first time since 2022 at Uefa's insistence, which may have affected their flow. Despite missing several chances, they controlled much of the game, with Napoli threatening on the break.[S1]
Ødegaard's form continues
Ødegaard has now scored four goals in his last five games, a stark contrast to last season when he scored once in all competitions. His performance drew praise from manager Mikel Arteta, who highlighted the midfielder's mindset and ability to decide games. Arteta said the team needs players with that personality, and Ødegaard's recent positioning and confidence have improved.[S1]
Arteta has personal history at this stadium, having been sent off there in 2013, but Arsenal's last visit ended in victory in 2019. Napoli have won domestic titles since then, but Champions League success has eluded them, finishing 30th in the league phase last season. Arsenal, in contrast, were unbeaten in 14 matches before falling at the final hurdle last year.[S1]
Team changes and near misses
Arteta made several changes from the weekend, with Piero Hincapié replacing Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, and Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyökeres making their first starts of the season. However, these players largely disappointed, with Gyökeres replaced by Kai Havertz just before the winner. Hincapié missed a glaring chance, and Merino should have scored from Eze's header.[S1]
Napoli's goalkeeper Alex Meret was replaced at half-time by Milinkovic-Savic, who was a spectator for much of the second half. Napoli coach Max Allegri, who lost two Champions League finals with Juventus, switched to a back five to hold on, but Arsenal's pressure eventually told. Havertz had a goal disallowed for offside in injury time, but the mission was already complete.[S1]
