Arsenal must make Champions League intentions clear with statement win at Napoli

Arsenal begin another pursuit of the one major trophy that continues to elude them when they visit Napoli in their Champions League opener on Wednesday. For years, winning this competition felt like an ambition Arsenal were gradually working towards, but last season changed that perception. Arsenal reached the final after successive runs to the quarter-finals and semi-finals, continuing a clear upward trajectory under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. They ultimately fell short again, but getting that close should sharpen rather than diminish the belief that this squad can finally become European champions. Winning the Premier League last season should only strengthen that confidence. There is a different level of assurance that comes from proving over 38 matches that you can outlast the best teams in England, and Arsenal now carry that status into Europe as champions rather than challengers. Their Champions League record last season already demonstrated that they belonged among the continent's elite. Arsenal went unbeaten across their 15 European matches inside normal time while conceding only seven goals and keeping a competition-high nine clean sheets. The task now is to turn those impressive foundations into the trophy itself. Naples is an appropriate place to begin because this is precisely the sort of away fixture Arsenal must handle if they are serious about going one step further. Napoli remain one of Italy's major clubs and possess an intimidating home environment, even if their start under Massimiliano Allegri has been far from convincing. They have taken only one victory from their opening three competitive matches and arrive after consecutive defeats to Como and Inter Milan. Saturday's loss was particularly damaging after Napoli surrendered a 2-0 advantage to lose 3-2 at San Siro following Lautaro Martinez's late winner. Their recent European numbers are also modest, with only two wins from their previous 10 Champions League matches and three consecutive defeats against English opposition. Arsenal, by contrast, could hardly travel with greater momentum. Sunday's 2-1 comeback against Chelsea made it four victories from four games this season and showed another side to a team that had already produced comfortable and controlled wins. That adaptability could prove crucial in Naples. Arsenal may need periods of patience, defensive discipline and control rather than the relentless attacking pressure seen against Chelsea. Yet they should not approach this fixture cautiously simply because of Napoli's reputation or the atmosphere awaiting them. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last nine opening European fixtures and have won seven of those matches, while three victories from four previous meetings with Napoli provide further encouragement. Last season showed how close Arsenal are. Wednesday offers the first opportunity to show that winning the Champions League is no longer merely a dream but a realistic objective for the Premier League champions. A convincing victory in Naples would not decide anything in September, but it would send exactly the message Arsenal should want Europe to hear.