Arsenal Ratings: Odegaard Shines Again in Napoli Clash, While Gyokeres Struggles to Keep Up
MARTIN ODEGAARD maintained his remarkable start to the season, leading Arsenal to victory in their Champions League debut.
The Gunners narrowly defeated Napoli 1-0, securing three points to kick off their European campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s squad controlled the game and executed patient attacking play as they sought the perfect opportunity to strike.
The breakthrough arrived when captain Odegaard unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, finding the net late in the second half.
Odegaard shone throughout the match, marking his fifth goal contribution in five games this season.
Here’s how SunSport Arsenal Reporter Joshua Hall evaluated each Arsenal player’s performance…
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DAVID RAYA – 7
Raya uncharacteristically fumbled a powerful shot from Kevin De Bruyne in the first half but was otherwise reliable with his shot-stopping.
His distribution has noticeably improved this season, as he consistently found teammates in attacking positions.
BEN WHITE – 7
With Jurrien Timber traveling with the Arsenal squad to Naples but not included in the matchday squad, White has secured his position at right-back for a while longer.
This was another solid display from the 28-year-old, who is not easily replaced without a fight.
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EZRI KONSA – 8
Concerns arose when news broke of William Saliba’s back injury this summer, but Konsa has stepped in seamlessly.
Arteta has previously mentioned “plug-and-play” signings, and Konsa’s performances are proving his point.
This was a standout display from the former Aston Villa player, who appeared dominant when called upon.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 8
As impressive as ever, Gabriel is adapting well to playing alongside a new partner in Konsa.
He made a crucial intervention, denying Kevin De Bruyne as the Napoli midfielder charged into the box.
PIERO HINCAPIE – 6
A first start of the season for the Ecuadorian, who faces a tough challenge maintaining his place with the in-form Riccardo Calafiori.
Attempted to make an impact with a cross-cum-shot that nearly found the net, but couldn’t produce a spectacular goal.
He will regret firing a prime opportunity over the bar early in the second half when it should have been a certain goal.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Since joining the club in 2023, Rice has established himself as ‘Mr. Reliable’ for Mikel Arteta, delivering another commanding performance.
The midfielder remained composed in his own area, preventing Napoli from scoring in the first half while also posing a threat upfield.
MIKEL MERINO – 7
Constantly positioning himself in the box, Merino aimed to influence the game as he has done in previous matches.
Questions may arise regarding whether he could have been more effective with his first-half header that was saved from close range.
This might merely reflect a player returning from a lengthy absence.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 9
The Norwegian has commenced the season with great intensity, using his World Cup experience to fuel his club performance.
His remarkable vision and quick footwork were instrumental in almost every Arsenal attack.
After others failed to capitalize, his long-range strike ensured Arsenal was rewarded for their measured approach.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Saka was not his typical clinical self despite finding excellent positions throughout the match.
He will feel disappointed for missing a golden opportunity created by Odegaard, where the linesman’s flag saved him from embarrassment despite an onside build-up.
EBERE EZE – 6
Eze needs to step up on the left flank this season due to Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s departures.
The England international fluctuated throughout the game and struggled to make a significant impact with the ball.
Ultimately, he was substituted for Christos Tzolis.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 6
Arteta’s faith in Kai Havertz in the first four games was evident, but Gyokeres finally got the call to start in Naples.
The striker went relatively unnoticed, but it’s hard to blame him given Napoli’s deep defensive setup.
You have to wonder if Arteta should have stuck with Havertz up top, especially after Havertz’s standout performance against Chelsea over the weekend.
The German came on for Gyokeres in the 73rd minute.
SUBSTITUTES
BRUNO GUIMARAES (for Merino, 65 mins) – 7
Another impressive appearance off the bench from the Brazilian, who appears eager to make his mark at Arsenal.
CHRISTOS TZOLIS (for Eze, 65 mins) – 7
Struck his opportunity in the box as he sought to make an immediate impact, and managed to provide the assist for Odegaard’s winning goal.
NONI MADUEKE (for Saka, 73 mins) – 6
Madueke should have done much better when played through one-on-one against the goalkeeper by Havertz late in the game.
KAI HAVERTZ (for Gyokeres, 73 mins) – 7
Havertz’s technical prowess is clearly superior to Gyokeres, evident every time he received the ball.
He thought he had scored a late goal in injury time, but was ruled offside.