Arsenal made a winning start to their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign after defeating Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night. Captain Martin Ødegaard produced the decisive moment in the 75th minute, firing Arsenal to a valuable away victory and continuing his impressive start to the new season.

The result was particularly important for Mikel Arteta’s side after Arsenal came agonisingly close to European glory last season. The Gunners reached the Champions League final but ultimately fell short, making a strong start to this year’s competition a priority.

Against Napoli, Arsenal showed both their attacking ambition and defensive discipline. Although the final scoreline suggested a closely fought contest, Arsenal created enough opportunities to have won by a much wider margin.

Ødegaard Delivers When Arsenal Need Him Most

Martin Ødegaard was once again the difference-maker for Arsenal.

The Norwegian midfielder has started the new campaign in outstanding form, and his performance in Naples further underlined his growing influence as both captain and attacking midfielder. His goal against Napoli was his fourth in five appearances this season, a remarkable improvement after he scored only once during the entire 2025/26 campaign.

The winning move came after sustained Arsenal pressure. Substitute Christos Tzolis combined with Ben White before Ødegaard found space on the edge of the penalty area. The Arsenal captain then struck a low effort that went in off the post, finally breaking Napoli’s resistance.

It was the kind of decisive moment Arsenal needed after dominating large periods of the match without finding a way through.

Mikel Arteta has already highlighted the importance of Ødegaard’s fitness and his slightly higher position this season. The Arsenal captain appears more comfortable operating closer to the opposition penalty area, allowing him to influence matches not only through his passing and creativity but also through his goals.

Arsenal Waste Several Chances

Despite the victory, Arsenal will know that the game could have been much more comfortable.

The Gunners created a succession of opportunities but were unable to convert them. Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino and Piero Hincapié were among the Arsenal players who missed promising chances.

Saka had one of Arsenal’s clearest opportunities just before half-time after Ødegaard played him through, but the England international fired over the crossbar. Merino also came close after Eberechi Eze headed a Saka cross back across the area.

After the interval, Hincapié had another excellent opportunity from close range but could not keep his effort down.

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal registered 26 shots during the match, their highest total in a Champions League game, while their chances amounted to approximately 4.05 expected goals.

Those numbers underline just how dominant Arsenal were in attack. The only concern will be whether the team can become more clinical in front of goal as the competition progresses.

Strong Defensive Display Gives Arteta Confidence

While Arsenal’s finishing was frustrating, their defensive performance was encouraging.

Napoli struggled to consistently create clear opportunities against an Arsenal defence that remained organised throughout the contest. David Raya had to deal with a few dangerous moments, including an effort from former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, but Arsenal largely controlled the game.

Napoli threatened more through counter-attacks than sustained possession, while Arsenal spent long periods camped inside the Italian side’s half.

The Gunners also showed composure after taking the lead. Napoli pushed for an equaliser late in the match, but Arsenal managed to protect their advantage.

De Bruyne had a late opportunity to create real danger, but Napoli could not turn the opening into an equaliser. Arsenal therefore secured a clean sheet and three valuable points away from home.

Arteta’s Side Continue Perfect Start

The victory over Napoli means Arsenal have maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 season, winning their first five competitive matches across all competitions.

That run will give Arteta plenty of encouragement, particularly because Arsenal have not always needed to be at their best to get results.

There are also positive signs from the squad’s depth. Arteta introduced Christos Tzolis, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz during the match, with Tzolis playing a direct role in the winning goal.

The ability of Arsenal’s substitutes to influence games could become increasingly important as the season progresses and the number of fixtures increases.

Attention Turns Back to the Premier League

Arsenal will not have much time to celebrate their Champions League victory. Their attention now turns back to domestic action, with a Premier League trip to Sunderland scheduled for Saturday, September 12, at 8:00pm UK time.

The fixture represents another test of Arsenal’s squad depth and ability to maintain momentum across different competitions.

For Arteta, the biggest positive from Naples is not simply the three points. Arsenal demonstrated that they can dominate a difficult European away fixture, remain defensively solid and find a match-winning moment when required.

Ødegaard’s form is another major source of optimism. If the Arsenal captain can maintain his current level, he could become one of the most important players in the club’s pursuit of silverware this season.

Arsenal may have left Naples with only a 1-0 victory, but the performance sent a clear message. The Gunners are determined to go further in Europe this season, and with Ødegaard leading the way, their Champions League campaign has begun in promising fashion.