Ødegaard gives Arsenal winning start in Champions League against Napoli
Martin Ødegaard’s late strike secured Arsenal a 1-0 away win, after the visitors registered 26 shots in their opening Champions League match.
Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Napoli, with captain Martin Ødegaard scoring the decisive goal 15 minutes from time.
Ødegaard finished with a left-foot strike after Arsenal had dominated possession and chances without breaking through. The result extended the club’s perfect start to the season, according to BBC Sport.
Arsenal recorded 26 shots, their highest total in a Champions League match since records began in 2003-04. It was also the most Napoli had faced in that period.
The victory marked another step in Ødegaard’s return to form after knee and shoulder injuries restricted his contribution last season. He scored once and provided seven assists in 36 appearances across all competitions during that campaign, according to the source material.
Manager Mikel Arteta said Arsenal needed players willing to take responsibility and decide matches, while former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha praised Ødegaard’s creativity, leadership and defensive work.
Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League schedule includes fixtures against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, presenting further tests for a side that has opened the season with a run of wins.
