Odegaard seals Arsenal win at Napoli as De Bruyne makes first start
Martin Odegaard struck late to give Arsenal a 1-0 Champions League league-phase win at Napoli on Wednesday, but Kevin De Bruyne’s first start of the season for the Italian side remained a major post-match talking point at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Odegaard delivers Arsenal’s opening win
- Arsenal began their Champions League league-phase campaign with three points in Naples.
- Captain Odegaard settled a tight contest with a late goal.
- The clean sheet came against a Napoli side directed by De Bruyne, who repeatedly found dangerous positions between the lines.
- The result gives the reigning Premier League champions an early European boost after last season’s final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Rice impressed by De Bruyne’s Napoli impact
De Bruyne had previously been limited to three substitute outings in Serie A following his move from Manchester City last summer. His first Napoli start brought an influential display despite the home side’s defeat.
Declan Rice, who held Arsenal’s midfield through a tense evening, said the Belgian had still caused significant problems. Rice described De Bruyne as an intelligent player whose movement into productive areas made him difficult to contain, adding that it was good to face him again after their many meetings in England.
Arteta hails former Manchester City colleague
Mikel Arteta and De Bruyne shared a warm moment at full time. Arsenal’s manager worked with the midfielder for almost four years while part of Manchester City’s coaching staff.
- Arteta named De Bruyne among his all-time favourite players.
- He said the Belgian ranks among football’s greatest midfielders.
- Arteta added that watching the 34-year-old remains a pleasure.
- De Bruyne returned the compliment, describing Arsenal as possibly the best team in world football.
What happens next
Arsenal return to Premier League action away to Sunderland on Sunday, encouraged by an important away victory and a shutout in Naples.
Napoli will aim to end their losing run when Bologna visit, with De Bruyne’s performance offering encouragement despite the Champions League setback.
