UCL: Ødegaard fires Arsenal to 1-0 win at Napoli

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Martin Ødegaard’s superb 75th-minute strike secured Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Napoli in their Champions League league-phase opener at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

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The Arsenal captain, on Wednesday night, curled a left-footed effort from outside the box that went in off the far post, assisted by substitute Christos Tzolis, to give the Gunners a deserved lead after they had dominated for long periods.

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Arsenal controlled possession and created the clearer chances throughout, firing in more than 20 shots.

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Napoli, missing key players including Scott McTominay, struggled to break down a solid Arsenal defence under Massimiliano Allegri.

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After four minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle. Mikel Arteta shook hands with Allegri, who then walked straight down the tunnel.

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The result gives Arsenal a strong start to their European campaign following last season’s runners-up finish.

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Arsenal, Napoli find breakthrough

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Arsenal dominated the contest from the outset, registering a club-record 13 shots in the first half of a Champions League away fixture.

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Clear openings went begging, however, with Mikel Merino’s early header straight at Alex Meret, Bukayo Saka blazing over when clean through just before the interval, and Piero Hincapié somehow directing the ball over the bar from close range early in the second half.

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The introduction of substitutes, including Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke, added fresh impetus.

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Madueke himself spurned a late one-on-one opportunity that would have made the scoreline more comfortable.

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Despite the wastefulness in front of goal, the visitors’ control never seriously wavered, and David Raya was rarely tested as Arsenal claimed a hard-earned clean sheet on the road.

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The result extends Arsenal’s perfect start to the season across all competitions and provides an ideal platform as they turn their attention to Saturday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland.

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A post match report on the club website stated, “After the first of four successive away games, we’re back in action on Saturday night when we make the long trip to Sunderland, before we turn our attention to the Carabao Cup and a third-round tie with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Tuesday.

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“Then we finish off before the international break with a meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, September 19.”

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