Ødegaard scored the only goal of the European encounter in the 75th minute from the edge of the box.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised his captain, Martin Ødegaard, after helping the Gunners defeat a stubborn Napoli side in a UEFA Champions League (UCL) match on Wednesday night, saying, “He can start to go to so many different heights.”
The Spanish tactician made this known while addressing the press at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona following the narrow 1-0 win over the Serie A club.
Arsenal, despite being the dominant side, were guilty of wasteful finishing and were heading for a frustrating draw in their first UCL match since losing last season’s final in agonising fashion.
However, Ødegaard had the North London club’s 1,500 travelling fans celebrating after a fine finish from outside the box, with the goal making the difference on the day.
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Following his fourth goal in five games—including the Community Shield—the Norwegian midfielder was awarded the Man of the Match after the encounter.
Speaking after the win, Arteta claimed that Ødegaard has the “edge” and different relationships around him now at the North London club.
He added that the 27-year-old can now reach so many different heights with the club as the season goes on.
“He’s got that edge, and he’s got different relationships around him now. And now he can start to go to so many different heights,” Arteta said.
