Arsenal edge Napoli 1-0 in Champions League opener
Arsenal recorded a 1-0 victory over Napoli in their first Champions League group match, with manager Mikel Arteta praising the team's attacking effort and highlighting the impact of several substitutions.
Arsenal secured a 1-0 win against Napoli in the opening match of the 2026-27 Champions League group stage. The English side registered 26 shots, the highest they have taken in a Champions League game, and posted an expected-goals (xG) figure of 4.05, according to match statistics.
Mikel Arteta said he was "very happy" with the way his team attacked from the start, noting the quality and quantity of chances created. He added that the scoreline did not reflect the performance and that the team needed to keep pressing for goals.
Midfielder Martin Ødegaard scored the decisive goal, his fourth of the season, after a series of passes in the right-half space. Arteta highlighted Ødegaard’s willingness to take risks and find better positions, describing it as essential for breaking down opponents.
Substitutes also influenced the outcome. Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis entered in the second half, helping to link play in the final third, while Bruno Guimarães provided an early burst of energy after coming on. Arteta praised the squad’s depth and the ability to make game-changing changes.
Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri acknowledged the challenge posed by Arsenal’s pressing and praised his own team’s defensive resilience. He said the players’ effort and collective desire were “incredible” and crucial for future success.
The win extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league phase of the competition to 13 matches, a streak Arteta attributes to the squad’s hunger and determination. While the narrow margin leaves room for improvement, the performance suggests Arsenal are building on recent progress in Europe.