Temi Kings
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal continued their blistering early-season form on Wednesday night, picking up a massive 1-0 away victory against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to launch their UEFA Champions League campaign in style. The Gunners came into Naples boasting a perfect record across domestic action, and they extended that flawless run thanks to a moment of magic from skipper Martin Ødegaard.
Arsenal set the tempo right from the kickoff, taking full control of possession and pressing Napoli deep into their own half. The Gunners registered 13 shots in the opening 45 minutes alone, a new club record for the first half of a Champions League away fixture. Despite creating several quality openings, including chances for Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino, the visitors were unable to break the deadlock before the interval.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute. Receiving the ball near the edge of the penalty area, Ødegaard controlled it smoothly before striking a precise, low left-footed effort that clipped the inside of the left post on its way past the keeper. Napoli pushed forward in search of a late equalizer, but Arsenal’s structured defense closed out the remaining minutes with composure to seal a vital three points on Matchday 1.