Arsenal head to Naples on Matchday 1 in the Champions League
By Karl Matchett
Only a penalty shootout defeat to back-to-back winners PSG prevented Mikel Arteta’s team from completing a magnificent double at the end of last term, but there were areas the manager will feel he can improve on now a first major trophy is in the cabinet.
Perfection to prevention
While the Gunners roared through the long league phase with a 100% success rate last term, eight wins from eight, they soon found out that it counts for little once the knock-outs get underway. Often it appeared Arsenal were more concerned with not losing games than actually going to win them; there were more than a few criticisms aimed their way for unconvincing showings against Leverkusen, Sporting, and Atlético Madrid en route to the final. But perhaps the early days of the league season show they’ll be more on the front foot, more often: Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz are more involved, sharper and more aggressive already, and Arsenal have scored six goals in three games despite two tricky opponents in Aston Villa and Chelsea already being ticked off the list and beaten.
This new European format is very much marathon rather than sprint, and there’s mounting evidence to suggest you need not go all-out for a top-few finish. But you suspect the Gunners have a strong enough squad to do so regardless – perhaps with a more changeable side at times.
On the fringes
For Napoli, there are already question marks over new boss Maxi Allegri, who replaced Antonio Conte over summer. Direct Champions League rivals Como and Inter Milan have already beaten the Partenopei this term, while their transfer business left much to be desired – the only real permanent additions of note were an enforced obligation to make Rasmus Højlund’s loan into a total transfer and doing the same with winger Alisson Santos.
The squad looks short of real quality in a few key areas and their Champions League fixtures look tricky – including games against both the top two from the Premier League last season.
Napoli won on the opening Serie A weekend with two late goals against Genoa but have lost both games since. Arsenal have won all three in the league plus the Community Shield, with just one goal conceded so far.
Team news
Key midfielder Scott McTominay is out for Napoli until next month, with Alessandro Buongiorno also sidelined. The Gunners remain without William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera from their defensive ranks but are otherwise fully stocked.
Key player
There’s been minimal matches so far, admittedly, but Ødegaard looks revitalised – he’s in the top 6% of Premier League midfielders for expected assists, successful passes and line-breaking passes made, plus has scored twice and created two big chances. The Norwegian skipper could run the show.
Prediction
We’re backing Arsenal to produce a strong defensive showing that will the platform for winning start: One-nil to the Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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