Odegaard

This time around, Odegaard looks smooth as silk – and it is no co-incidence Arsenal look exactly the same.

“This what we need,” said Arteta. “Players with that mindset to decide the game, to play with that personality and keep taking risks. He is getting into those positions much more in recent games. It was an incredible goal.”

In Naples, Odegaard not only settled the game but set the tone, working tirelessly as the perfect of example of leadership as well as being the match winner.

“Arsenal have obviously looked good at the start of the season and he has been a big reason for that,” added Onuoha. “Some of his creativity, especially on the right-hand side, has been excellent.

“He looks after the ball so well. He is always looking for that pass to be able to create opportunities and he even does the defensive work as well.”

Odegaard succeeded where other team-mates failed, Arsenal missing several clear-cut opportunities before he struck.

Arsenal‘s superiority was illustrated by having 26 shots, their most in a single Champions League match since records started being kept in 2003-04. It was also the most Napoli have faced in that time.

“Martin is contributing with goals that are impacting results which is what we want from our attacking players, being decisive,” said Arteta. “We should have done it in a different way because of the amount of chances we created.”

The Champions League has proved elusive for Arsenal, with finals lost to Barcelona in 2006 and to PSG last season.

It remains their Holy Grail – but if Odegaard maintains his brilliant form then their chances of crossing a so far insurmountable barrier will increase hugely.

Emiliano Martinez: There was concern when the Argentina goalkeeper was accidentally kicked in the head by Gabriel early on, but he was beaten too easily at his near post for Havertz’s equaliser. He later made a high-quality save from Saka in the second half. 5

Josh Acheampong: Often dragged into uncomfortable areas by Tzolis from a tactical perspective, but handled his individual defensive duties well. 6

Maxence Lacroix: Miscontrolled a ball early on and allowed Havertz’s shot to pass through his legs but also impressed at other times. 6

Wesley Fofana: Unconvincing defensively against Saka, Odegaard and, ultimately, Havertz for the equaliser, but the most composed of Chelsea‘s defenders in possession. 6

Pedro Neto: Tasked with marking Calafiori while also providing an attacking threat. Hit the post just before half-time with a brilliant curling effort. 7

Reece James: Saw a well-struck long-range effort saved after 22 minutes and was arguably Chelsea‘s best passer. 7

Romeo Lavia: Produced a superb defensive header to clear the danger in the 32nd minute and competed aggressively throughout. 6

Jorrel Hato: His determination helped create Rogers’ volley and he matched that effort defensively, although he struggled to contain Saka at times. 6

Cole Palmer: Had one effort on target in the first half and was booked for a professional foul. Also had a second-half shot saved. Arsenal largely kept him quiet. 5

Morgan Rogers: Opened the scoring with a first-time volley after just two minutes. Later curled an effort narrowly wide in the 31st minute and was Chelsea‘s most dangerous attacking player. 7

Joao Pedro: Unconvincing defensively at set-pieces and had few opportunities in front of goal, including an ambitious effort from distance. Still made a significant contribution through his work-rate, physical presence and ability to bring team-mates into play as the number nine. 6

Subs:

Malo Gusto (on 60, Lavia): Poor effort moments after coming on, albeit playing out of position in central midfield. 5

Pep Chavarria (on 60, Hato): Struggled to track his runners on a few occasions. 6

Estevao Willian (on 80, Neto): The Brazilian’s sensational curling effort almost levelled but was saved by Raya.

Danny Welbeck (on 87, Rogers)

Subs not used: Penders, Colwill, Barco, Quenda, Gittens