Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said his team’s performance in the 4-0 win at Ipswich Town was better than the one that earned victory at Real Madrid in midweek.
Arsenal won 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday to go through to their first UEFA Champions League semi-final since 2009, with an aggregate score of 5-1.
However Arteta thought his players put in their best show this season at Portman Road as they scored twice in each half to return to winning ways.
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"There was even an increase [from the performance against Real],” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The first 35 minutes was the best football we have played this season against a difficult opponent.
"We scored two goals but could've scored three or four. Overall, it was a positive afternoon. We made changes, saved some minutes for players, gave opportunities for others and we won the game.
"The consistency is at the next level. The intensity we played, especially in the first 35 minutes is pleasing to see."
'Nothing serious for Saka'
One area of concern for Arteta was an injury to Bukayo Saka, whose Achilles’ heel was fouled by Leif Davis, a first-half challenge that was deemed a red card. Saka played on but was seen having his lower right leg wrapped in ice when taken off in the second half.
"He was sore but it's nothing serious,” Arteta said. “So that's positive as well."
Arsenal’s win meant Liverpool were unable to seal the Premier League title at Leicester City in the match after theirs.
Arsenal may still need to beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday to keep Liverpool’s title hopes on hold, but Arteta was coy about rotating his squad for the match at Emirates Stadium.
"We will have to see,” he said when asked about rotation. “Today we had to make changes. There were players who could not start the game and those who could not finish the game.
“It's been a big headache every week over the past nine months with the amount of issues we've had. But we are coping well."
