Martin Odegaard delivered a stunning strike to lead Arsenal to a 1-0 victory against Napoli in their Champions League opener, showcasing the Gunners’ dominance throughout the match.

Despite a strong performance, Arsenal struggled with finishing, missing several clear opportunities. Odegaard's goal, his fourth in five games this season, came after a well-executed 29-pass build-up, as he fired a low shot from the edge of the box that hit the post before going in. This goal marked a victorious start for last season's runners-up, yet the team left the pitch knowing they could have secured a more comfortable win.

Key match highlights included:

• 26 shots attempted by Arsenal, the most ever recorded in a Champions League game for the club.
• An impressive 4.05 expected goals from their efforts.
• Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino both missing significant chances in the first half.
• A late chance for Kevin De Bruyne, who opted to cross instead of shoot, ensuring Arsenal secured the win.

Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright noted Odegaard's exceptional form, emphasizing his creativity and influence on the game. He had more touches, passes, and chances created than any player on the pitch, demonstrating his critical role in Arsenal's attack.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, praised the team's performance but lamented the missed opportunities, stating, "It should have been much bigger." The win extends Arsenal's impressive streak, as they have now won their last 13 group-stage matches in the Champions League, maintaining a robust defensive record under Arteta.