Declan Rice praised Arsenal’s outstanding fluency and mental toughness after a 1-0 Champions League win away to Napoli. The England midfielder reserved special praise for captain Martin Odegaard, calling a brilliant 29-pass team goal in searing heat “incredible”.

Declan Rice spoke of his happiness after Arsenal began their 2026-27 Champions League campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Napoli. Playing in temperatures close to 30 degrees and heavy humidity in southern Italy, the Gunners controlled much of the contest before finally making the breakthrough in the 75th minute.

A superb 29-pass move from the team ended with Martin Odegaard finishing via the post, as Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the season with five wins from five.

The result also meant Arsenal conquered the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, handing the Italian giants a rare home defeat in European competition.

Looking back on the match, Rice applauded the side’s calmness and tactical discipline despite featuring in what he said were the hottest conditions he has experienced with Arsenal. The midfielder believed the margin of victory could have been much bigger considering the quality of chances the team created.

He compared the conditions to those of a World Cup while also celebrating the slick passing move that broke down Napoli’s stubborn defence.

It could’ve been four or five tonight if we were a bit more clinical. The goal was just incredible. Everyone getting on the ball, touching it, pass and move to open them up. That’s probably the hottest game I’ve played in for Arsenal so far, Rice said.

Rice was especially pleased for skipper Odegaard, who scored his fourth goal of the campaign. The midfielder pointed out that after a season disrupted by injuries, Odegaard’s return to top physical shape makes Arsenal a far more dangerous team.

He underlined how important it is to keep the captain full of confidence as the side comes through demanding away fixtures in Europe.

When a player like that is fit, he can shine in any team and for us he’s so important. When he’s at the top of his game he makes us a better team. So let’s keep making him feel confident, Rice explained.

Rice stressed the need to build momentum early in the season as Arsenal target another run to the Champions League final. He said he was grateful for the chance to play at iconic venues, adding that beating Napoli gives the team a huge lift ahead of upcoming group matches against Bayern Munich, Slavia Prague and Real Betis.

The midfielder also urged his team-mates to keep up their relentless standards as matches continue to come thick and fast in domestic and European competitions.

Momentum is key. Football is really good when you’re winning matches. We know what stadium this is and to play here is a massive honour. Let’s keep momentum going and keep pushing, Rice concluded.