Napoli v Arsenal: Gunners set to take on familiar foe Kevin De Bruyne in Champions League opener
Arsenal head into European battle this week, having already stamped their authority in the opening weeks of the domestic season. The reigning Premier League champions have kicked off their title defence with three successive victories – only Manchester City also have a 100 per cent record in the English top flight – which has seen the Gunners' lauded backline concede just a single goal. Arsenal's…
Napoli and Arsenal are set to face off in Arsenal's Champions League opener, featuring a familiar rival for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta. Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian playmaker who joined Napoli from Manchester City on a free transfer last summer, is expected to start for the Italian side. De Bruyne has scored eight times in 22 appearances against Arsenal, more than any other opponent in his career.
Arteta acknowledged De Bruyne's significant impact: "He's a fantastic player, one of the best in the world, and we'll be looking to give him a real tough time." Rasmus Hojlund, another former Manchester United player, has also joined Napoli and could form a potent attacking partnership with De Bruyne. Arsenal, meanwhile, will rely on their watertight defense, which has conceded only three goals in their last seven games in the Champions League.
However, concerns remain about their ability to consistently score goals, especially without the high-profile forward they had hoped to sign.
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