Martin Odegaard's excellent start to the season continued as the Arsenal captain came to his side's rescue against Napoli in Naples.

The Gunners were guilty of wasteful finishing and were heading for a frustrating draw in their first game in the Champions League since losing last season's final in agonising fashion.

However, Odegaard had Arsenal's 1,500 travelling fans celebrating after a fine finish from outside the box - the captain's fourth goal in five games, including the Community Shield.

Piero Hincapie dropped to his knees after the full-time whistle and thumped the ground with his hands in relief at the result.

Arsenal won all eight group phase games on their way to last season's final, and they are up and running after a fine win in Italy.

Mikel Arteta's side had missed three great chances to punish last season's Serie A runners-up before Odegaard's winner.

There were 29 passes in the build-up to Arsenal's winner, their second-most on record (since 2003-04) for a Champions League goal (33 for Lucas Perez's second at Basel in December 2016).

Mikel Merino was presented with a glorious chance to mark his first club start since January but the Spain midfielder headed straight at goalkeeper Alex Meret midway through the first half.

Then Bukayo Saka looked set to break the deadlock only to lift his attempt over the bar before Hincapie blazed over from inside the six-yard area.

The Gunners did endure a couple of scares most notably when David Raya spilled a shot from outside the box by Kevin de Bruyne, a Champions League winner with Manchester City in 2023. However, Ben White was quickest to react and clear the ball before the home side could pounce.

Arsenal registered 26 attempts - their highest total in a single match in the Champions League since the start of last season.

David Raya: Fortunate to escape unpunished after spilling an attempt by Kevin de Bruyne from outside the box. 6

Piero Hincapie: One of four players making their first starts of the season. Fired over from close range when it seemed easier to score. 6

Gabriel Magalhaes: Dominant performance at the heart of the defence and produced some strong challenges. 7

Ezri Konsa: Worked hard as the Gunners kept another clean sheet. His passing was also decent. 7

Ben White: Eager to burst forward and supply crosses into the box. Did well to react first after Raya spilled a Kevin de Bruyne attempt. 6

Declan Rice: Work rate could not be faulted. 6

Mikel Merino: Should have marked his first Arsenal start since January with a goal but headed straight at the keeper. 6

Eberechi Eze: First start of the season. Early attempt deflected over the bar but was also lucky to escape a caution. 6

Martin Odegaard: Captain to the rescue with an outstanding finish from outside the box as Arsenal looked set for a frustrating night. 8

Bukayo Saka: Busy performance and registered five attempts alone in the first half. Wasted one glorious chance when he lifted it over the bar and had one acrobatic effort straight at the keeper. 6

Viktor Gyokeres: Had just six touches in the first half and struggled to make an impact on his first start of the season. 5

Subs:

Bruno Guimaraes (on 65, Merino): Helped his team to three points. 5

Christos Tzolis (on 65, Eze): Sent the ball into orbit while attempting a shot before providing the assist for the winner. 5

Kai Havertz (on 73, Gyokeres): Helped his side to an important win. 5

Noni Madueke (on 73, Saka): Worked hard after coming on. 5

Martín Zubimendi (on 82, White)

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Meslier, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman.