Arsenal start Champions League campaign with 1-0 win over Napoli
Arsenal defeated Napoli 1-0 in Naples, with a second-half goal from captain Martin Ødegaard, marking a perfect start to their Champions League season.
Arsenal opened their Champions League group stage with a 1-0 victory against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Martin Ødegaard scored in the 75th minute, striking a low, angled shot that went in off the post to give the visitors a narrow lead.
Mikel Arteta made several changes to his starting eleven, resting a number of regular outfield players. Bukayo Saka started in place of the expected Noni Madueke, while Madueke came on later and missed a clear chance. Declan Rice played the full match, covering for the injured Bruno Guimarães, and Jurrien Timber is expected to return soon.
Defensively, Arsenal were solid, with Ezri Konsa delivering a confident performance against Napoli's attack, which was hampered by the absence of Scott McTominay. Napoli struggled to create significant chances, and the low attendance reflected their recent poor form.
The win maintains Arsenal's unbeaten record in the competition so far and highlights Ødegaard's growing influence, as he adds to his scoring tally for the season. Arteta emphasized the importance of squad depth and managing player fatigue as the team aims to compete on multiple fronts.