Martin Odegaard's superb strike gave Arsenal a deserved 1-0 victory over Napoli in their Champions League opener. The Gunners dominated but missed a succession of chances before the captain broke the deadlock.

Arsenal attempted 26 shots, their most on record in a Champions League game, worth 4.05 expected goals. Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka spurned first-half chances, while Piero Hincapie blazed over from close range after the break.

Odegaard's goal, brilliantly taken from the edge of the box after a 29-pass build-up, proved crucial. He now has four in five games this season, a stunning turnaround having only managed one in 36 last term. The Arsenal captain oozed class, demanding the ball and threading passes forward.

Substitute Noni Madueke missed a one-on-one late on, while former Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wasted a rare Napoli chance by opting to cross. Arsenal celebrated a victorious start to their European campaign and a fifth straight win of the season in all competitions.