Odegaard gives Arsenal winning Champions League start at Napoli

Naples witnessed Arsenal's triumphant start to their Champions League campaign as Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard netted a dramatic late goal, giving the English champions a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Napoli. Despite a series of missed opportunities throughout the match, Odegaard's strike, which came off the post before finding the net in the 75th minute, shattered Napoli's resistance.

The match came just three days after Odegaard scored a winning goal against Chelsea during Arsenal's recent Premier League title defense.

Changes in the Napoli midfield, including Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour replacing Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, allowed the hosts to maintain a low block early on. Arsenal, however, relentlessly probed the Italian defense, with Piero Hincapie, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyokeres starting in their first Premier League matches of the season.

Arsenal's chances included a header from Merino that was saved by Alex Meret, as well as a promising cross-shot by Meret that was kept out by the goalkeeper.

Despite a stunning opening half, Arsenal did not capitalize on their early dominance, with goalkeeper David Raya making crucial saves to thwart the Gunners. In the second half, Rasmus Hojlund's hold-up play troubled Napoli's defense, allowing De Bruyne to test the keeper. However, Odegaard ultimately delivered the decisive blow, securing Arsenal's hard-fought triumph and setting the stage for their next European test against Lille at home on October 13.