Martin Odegaard was Arsenal’s match-winner as Mikel Arteta’s side began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Napoli.
The captain struck after 75 minutes, firing across Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and in off the post after excellent work from Ben White and substitute Christos Tzolis.
It secured an important opening victory in Arsenal’s latest attempt to go one better in Europe after reaching last season’s final.
The win also puts three points on the board at the start of Arsenal’s eight-game league-phase programme, which can be followed in our Arsenal Champions League fixtures guide.
Here are the ReadArsenal player ratings from Napoli 0-1 Arsenal.
David Raya – 7
A relatively comfortable evening despite Napoli having periods of pressure.
Raya dealt cleanly with Matteo Politano and Billy Gilmour’s efforts and provided the calm presence Arsenal needed away from home.
Another clean sheet to add to a strong start to the season.
Ben White – 7.5
Had a difficult moment when Alisson Santos escaped him down the flank, but White responded well.
His biggest contribution came at the other end.
White combined quickly with Tzolis before the substitute supplied Odegaard for Arsenal’s winning goal.
He was replaced by Martin Zubimendi late on as Arteta protected the advantage.
Ezri Konsa – 8
Another assured display.
Konsa’s determination stopped Santos breaking clear during the first half, while his positioning alongside Gabriel gave Napoli very little through the middle.
He continues to look comfortable in Arsenal’s defensive structure while William Saliba remains unavailable.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Excellent against Rasmus Hojlund.
The Napoli striker tried to use his pace and strength to stretch Arsenal but found Gabriel extremely difficult to get beyond.
One particularly important second-half intervention stopped Hojlund reaching a dangerous shooting position on the edge of the box.
A commanding European away performance.
Piero Hincapie – 7
Should have scored.
Odegaard released White shortly after half-time and his header across goal presented Hincapie with a huge opportunity, only for the defender to fire over from close range.
That miss aside, this was an encouraging display.
Hincapie used his recovery pace well and showed why his versatility could become so useful across Arsenal’s long season.
Declan Rice – 7.5
Controlled large portions of the midfield battle.
Rice was aggressive without the ball and repeatedly helped Arsenal sustain attacks by winning possession back quickly.
His shooting was considerably less impressive, with more than one ambitious attempt sailing over.
Still an important performance in a difficult away environment.
Mikel Merino – 6.5
Solid rather than spectacular.
Merino gave Arsenal physical security alongside Rice but did not have the same influence in possession as Odegaard.
Arteta changed the midfield after 66 minutes, introducing Bruno Guimaraes in his place.
Bukayo Saka – 5.5
A surprisingly frustrating night.
Odegaard released Saka one-on-one shortly before half-time and the winger dragged a huge opportunity well wide.
The flag initially went up, but replays showed Saka had been comfortably onside.
He struggled to impose himself consistently afterwards and was replaced after 73 minutes.
Martin Odegaard – 9 ⭐
Man of the match.
Arsenal’s captain produced the quality that separated the two teams.
Odegaard created Saka’s major first-half chance before brilliantly releasing White in the move which should have ended with Hincapie scoring shortly after the restart.
Then came the decisive moment.
After patient Arsenal possession, White and Tzolis combined before Odegaard powered a rising finish across goal and in off the post.
It was another decisive contribution after his winner against Chelsea.
Odegaard’s role as Arsenal captain and the wider leadership group is covered in our Arsenal captaincy guide.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Showed flashes without fully taking control of the game.
Eze carried the ball effectively on occasions and drew Billy Gilmour into a booking during the first half.
There was not enough end product, though, and Tzolis replaced him after 66 minutes.
Viktor Gyokeres – 5.5
A difficult Champions League start.
Gyokeres struggled to impose himself against Napoli’s centre-backs and Arsenal were unable to consistently find him in threatening areas.
He worked hard but never really looked like scoring.
Arteta withdrew him alongside Saka after 73 minutes.
SUBSTITUTES
Bruno Guimaraes – 7
Helped Arsenal regain control after replacing Merino.
Moved the ball quickly and gave the midfield fresh energy during the period when Napoli were beginning to tire.
Christos Tzolis – 8
Changed the game.
There was one wild attempt shortly after coming on, but Tzolis responded by producing the night’s decisive assist.
His intelligent combination with White opened Napoli before his cutback found Odegaard.
Remarkably, it was his fourth assist in five matches.
A major contribution from the bench.
Kai Havertz – 6.5
Offered more movement than Gyokeres during the closing stages.
Did not get a clear opportunity himself but helped Arsenal occupy Napoli’s defenders and see the contest out.
Noni Madueke – 6.5
Added fresh running on the right after replacing Saka.
Did his job during the final phase without producing a major attacking moment.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
Introduced for White with only the closing stages remaining as Arteta strengthened the midfield.
Helped Arsenal professionally close out the victory.
