Arteta seeks quick reset after Madrid 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