26 Shots, One Goal: Arsenal Defeat Napoli Thanks to Odegaard

Arsenal defeated Napoli 1-0 away from home in their opening Champions League match, with the goal coming from Martin Odegaard. The team produced 26 shots throughout the match and ultimately scored only once.

Chances kept coming, but the score remained unchanged

Arsenal created several scoring opportunities in the first half. Merino and Saka both missed their best chances to score. Shortly after the second half began, Hincapie also fired wide from close range. The Napoli goalkeeper made several saves to keep Arsenal out, leaving the match at 0-0.

Odegaard breaks the deadlock

Arsenal found space through a series of passes, and Odegaard fired a low shot from the edge of the box that hit the post before going in. It was his fourth goal in five matches this season. Before the goal, he combined with substitute Zolhis for a quick one-two, allowing Arsenal to finally turn their dominance into a lead.

Arsenal had further chances to extend their lead after scoring. Substitute Madueke missed a one-on-one opportunity, while Zolhis's follow-up effort was cleared off the line. Late in the match, Napoli had a counterattack chance, but De Bruyne chose to cross instead of shooting when facing the goalkeeper, allowing Arsenal to hold on for a 1-0 victory.

The statistics show dominance

Arsenal's 26 shots were their highest recorded total in a Champions League match, with an expected goals figure of 4.05. However, Merino, Saka and Hincapie missed opportunities, keeping the outcome uncertain until the end.

The victory allowed Arsenal to begin their new Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win and secure their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions. They were last season's Champions League runners-up, and although the opening match was not easy, they secured all three points.