A goal from Gonzalo Higuain – linked to Arsenal over the summer – with just over 15 minutes remaining and a late strike from Jose Callejon meant Arsenal were denied top spot in Group F as Borussia Dortmund scored a late goal to beat Marseille and secure their progress at Napoli’s expense.
At the Stadio San Paolo, Arsenal tried to settle into their passing game early but were put under pressure by Napoli’s width when they were forced to defend.
On 23 minutes, Mathieu Flamini played a delightful through ball for Olivier Giroud but Napoli keeper Rafael was able to beat his effort away.
As the first half drew to a close, tempers started to rise but not before Christian Maggio had chipped over the bar after Wojciech Szczesny was quick off his line to neutralise a Napoli attack.
Szczesny nearly undid all the good work moments later when he dawdled over a back pass and fired his clearance straight at Gonzalo Higuain, who could only react sufficiently to put a header wide off the goal.
Both sides continued to show attacking intent as the second half got underway but it was the home side that came closest to breaking the deadlock when Pablo Armero broke through but failed to beat Szczesny with a tame shot.
Arsene Wenger brought Aaron Ramsey on for Santi Cazorla with 20 minutes to go but Napoli continued to push and took the lead in the 73rd minute.
The Gunners had kept Higuain quiet for most of the match but could do nothing to stop the Argentine when he turned brilliantly inside the penalty area and fired home.
Things got worse for Arsenal moments later when Mikel Arteta was sent off for a second bookable offence.
And when Dortmund scored late to go ahead in Marseille, a single-goal victory was no longer enough for Napoli.
Napoli were able to add one further goal through Callejon but it still wasn’t enough for Napoli, who have to settle for the Europa League while Dortmund and Arsenal progress to the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
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