Ødegaard strike earns Arsenal victory at Napoli and sets first-half record

Arsenal began their UEFA Champions League league-phase campaign with a valuable 1-0 victory over Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with Martin Ødegaard’s second-half strike settling a closely contested match.

Ødegaard scored the only goal in the 75th minute after Tzolis found the Arsenal captain near the edge of the Napoli penalty area. Ødegaard allowed the ball to run across him before unleashing a powerful left-footed effort which clipped the inside of the left post on its way into the net.

The result gives Arsenal three points and puts them 12th in the early league-phase table on goal difference from the teams above them. Napoli, meanwhile, remain without a point in 30th place.

Arsenal’s dominance was particularly clear before the interval. The visitors registered 13 shots in the opening 45 minutes, a new club record for a first half away from home in the UEFA Champions League, according to The Sun.

Mikel Arteta’s side took the initiative from the outset as they looked to break through Napoli’s defence. The home team, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, largely sat deep and attempted to threaten on the counter-attack.

Bukayo Saka produced a moment of invention when Arsenal created their first clear opportunity, but his overhead kick failed to trouble the Napoli goalkeeper. Saka then delivered a cross which Eberechi Eze headed back towards Mikel Merino, only for the midfielder to waste a strong chance from close range with a header.

Napoli had opportunities of their own through Matteo Politano and Kevin De Bruyne, although neither player was able to seriously test David Raya.

Arsenal almost made their pressure count just before half-time. Ødegaard released Saka, who drove forward with power, but the winger lifted his shot over the crossbar.

The pattern continued after the restart, although both sides began to find more promising positions near goal. Arsenal retained the greater threat and continued to look the more likely team to break the deadlock.

Ødegaard’s goal rewarded that pressure and gave Arsenal added confidence. The visitors searched for a second goal after taking the lead, while Napoli pushed forward in an attempt to rescue a point.

There was late controversy in stoppage time when Tzolis struck a powerful effort which rebounded directly to Kai Havertz. Havertz put the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Napoli could not find an equaliser, allowing Arsenal to leave the Diego Armando Maradona with a clean sheet and three points from their opening league-phase fixture.