Arsenal pass another big test as Odegaard hits top form

Arsenal have started the new campaign by passing one major test after another, and Martin Odegaard is playing a leading role in their impressive form.

The Arsenal captain scored a stunning left-footed strike 15 minutes from time to secure a 1-0 victory over Napoli in their Champions League opener.

The result underlined Arsenal’s growing confidence after they dominated the Italian side for long periods and eventually found the decisive breakthrough.

For Mikel Arteta, perhaps the most encouraging aspect is the form of Odegaard. The Norwegian endured an injury-hit campaign last season, but he has already returned to the level Arsenal have long expected from their captain.

Odegaard produces another decisive moment

Odegaard’s winner in Naples was another example of his influence at the start of the season.

The 27-year-old had already scored in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City, producing an audacious finish after sitting Gianluigi Donnarumma down before rolling the ball into an empty net.

He then found the net in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Coventry City before scoring the winner against Chelsea as Arteta’s side came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory at Emirates Stadium.

Against Chelsea, Odegaard’s movement was particularly important. He timed his run into the box perfectly, stepped on to Kai Havertz’s clever dummy and finished emphatically beyond Emiliano Martinez.

His goal against Napoli was another reminder of what Arsenal can gain when their captain is fully fit and playing with confidence.

Arsenal are building on last season’s success

Arsenal enter the new campaign with the confidence that came from winning the Premier League last season.

They were also one game away from completing a dream domestic and European double, eventually losing to Paris St-Germain on penalties in the Champions League final.

Odegaard’s individual contribution was limited last season by knee and shoulder injuries. He made 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing seven assists, while featuring in only 24 Premier League matches.

That meant Arsenal had to achieve their success without consistently having their captain at his best.

His return to full fitness therefore gives Arteta another significant weapon as Arsenal attempt to improve on last season.

Arsenal show patience in Naples

The victory over Napoli was not simply about Odegaard’s spectacular finish.

Arsenal had to remain patient against a Napoli side that used a defensive approach associated with experienced coach Max Allegri.

Rather than becoming frustrated, Arteta’s side continued to work their way through the resistance before Odegaard eventually produced the moment that decided the contest.

That composure could prove important as Arsenal face increasingly difficult assignments in the Champions League.

The London club have a home meeting with Real Madrid and an away trip to Bayern Munich ahead of them, making their winning start in Naples particularly valuable.

Odegaard can take Arsenal to another level

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha believes Odegaard’s influence could be crucial to Arsenal’s ambitions this season.

Onuoha said the midfielder would want to have a bigger impact after an injury-disrupted campaign and suggested Arsenal operate at a different level when their captain is in top form.

He also pointed to the club’s unfinished business in the Champions League, with Odegaard potentially aiming to become the first Arsenal captain to lift the trophy.

The midfielder’s importance goes beyond his own goals and assists. When he is controlling the game at his best, other Arsenal players become more involved in their attacking play, giving the team greater variety in how they create chances.

Arsenal have reason to dream again

Arsenal’s early-season results suggest they are already showing the maturity and belief that helped them achieve success last season.

Their 1-0 win over Napoli was another demanding test, but they remained composed, controlled the match and found a way to win.

With Odegaard producing decisive moments again, Arteta can look ahead to the rest of the campaign with renewed confidence.

Arsenal were already capable of challenging at the highest level when their captain was struggling for fitness and form. If Odegaard continues playing at this level, their ambitions in both the Premier League and Champions League could become even greater.

SportsLigue