Odegaard looked smooth as silk in Naples

Martin Odegaard , as manager Mikel Arteta hinted, is almost playing like someone with something to prove.

He knows that while Arsenal had a season of glory last time out, his personal contribution was not what he expected from himself.

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha said Odegaard "will want to have a bigger impact on the team this season" on Match of the Day .

"They have got unfinished business in the Champions League," said Onuoha. "He wants to be the first captain of Arsenal to lift that trophy.

"You would not back against them winning it based on what we have seen them do in this competition in the past two seasons, but he 100% takes Arsenal to a different level when he is on form and playing like this.

"That's the way it should be as well. When he is at his best, Arsenal are at their best. The best version of Arsenal, in my opinion, comes when Odegaard is pulling the strings."

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

"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. He even does defensive work as well."

Arsenal's superiority was illustrated by having 26 shots against Napoli , their most in a single Champions League match since records began in 2003-04.

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

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