Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta seeks quick reset after Real heroics ahead of Ipswich trip

LONDON – Arsenal’s superb performances against Real Madrid prove they can compete against the best, but manager Mikel Arteta said on April 18 that they had little time to celebrate as they look to delay Liverpool’s coronation as English Premier League champions.

The Gunners beat Real in both quarter-final legs to advance 5-1 on aggregate, but the achievement of reaching a first Champions League semi-final since 2009 could lose its sheen if they suffer defeat at Ipswich Town on April 20.

With a 13-point lead and six games left, Liverpool need two wins to clinch a second Premier League title but can lift the trophy this weekend if Arsenal lose and Arne Slot’s side beat Leicester City on the same day.

“We’ll make sure that we win the game and that doesn’t happen,” Arteta insisted. “For a short period of time, we had a lot of happy faces around the club, but immediately you have to switch it off and focus on Ipswich in the Premier League.

“The victory over Real tells us we can compete in any context against any opposition. Now the next step is consistency.”

While reeling in Liverpool seems almost impossible, Arsenal will also be looking over their shoulder with third-placed Newcastle United now four points behind them heading into this weekend. The Magpies took on Aston Villa on April 19, with the result unavailable at press time.

Ipswich, meanwhile, are desperate for a victory with relegation almost certain as they remain rooted in 18th. Arteta believes that could be a warning sign.

“I understand where they are at the moment and they’re playing at home. It’s one of the few chances they have (to survive),” he added.

“For us, it’s a big game. We need to win matches in the Premier League to maintain the position we are in... but we know how tough it’s going to be. They are very well organised.”

The Gunners boss also said forward Kai Havertz could return before the end of the season as his recovery from a hamstring injury is ahead of schedule.

The German international had initially been ruled out for the campaign after having surgery on the injury suffered during a warm-weather training camp in February.

Arteta cooled speculation he could return in time to face Paris Saint-Germain in the last four of the Champions League. But he is on track to be available should Arsenal reach the final on May 31.

“For the semi-finals? I think that is too close,” he said.

“But if I have to bet on him (being available) earlier than expected, I would say ‘yes’. The way he works, every day he is in the gym, and I don’t think you can hold him back any longer.” REUTERS, AFP