The Gunners delivered a commanding performance in Italy on Wednesday, appearing significantly more refined than their Serie A opponents during the opening match of the campaign.
Although Arsenal controlled the tempo, their lack of clinical finishing threatened to leave them with only a single point. That changed in the 75th minute when Martin Odegaard scored the decisive goal.
Arsenal enters this season with momentum after securing their first Premier League title since 2004 last year. Their previous European campaign ended in heartbreak, as they lost the Champions League final to PSG on penalties. However, the win in Naples marks a perfect start to the current season, extending their winning streak to five matches across all competitions.
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De Bruyne, a Manchester City legend, acknowledged Napoli’s effort while reaffirming his high opinion of Mikel Arteta’s squad. When asked by a CBS Sports reporter if he considered Arsenal the best team in the world, De Bruyne agreed. He noted that their status as English champions and their recent run to the Champions League final demonstrate their strength.
Regarding Napoli’s tactical approach, De Bruyne felt the team performed well despite the result. He admitted that Napoli spent too much time defending deep in the second half but noted signs of progress compared to their earlier performances this season.
Mikel Arteta expressed immense satisfaction with his team’s display in a challenging environment. He praised the squad for their hunger, their desire to dominate the pitch, and the quality they displayed against a side known for being difficult to break down. Arteta noted that the final scoreline did not fully reflect the number of chances his team created. He highlighted the personality and conviction shown by his players during a difficult away fixture.
Following the match, Declan Rice highlighted the impact of Martin Odegaard, whose scoring form remains a key factor in Arsenal’s current success.
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