\n<\/p>\n
Arteta was thrilled with the way his players kept up their levels four days after sealing a Champions League semi-final place with a victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.<\/p>\n
“I think the first 35 minutes is one of the best 35 minutes we played this season,” Arteta said. <\/p>\n
“We scored two goals [in the first half]; we could have scored three or four to be fair. <\/p>\n
“We really dominated the game. Very high intensity and understanding what we had to do today to win here. <\/p>\n
“And after, obviously, when they got the red card, the context of the game changed and we were much in control, scored another two goals, made certain rotations, so overall a very positive afternoon.”<\/p>\n
With PSG to consider, Arteta must now decide whether to rest key players for Wednesday’s Premier League home game against Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n
“We have to somehow put 11 players out there and have four or five changes, so let’s see how they recover in the next few days,” Arteta said. <\/p>\n
“The good thing is they are willing to play because they like the rhythm as well. <\/p>\n
“We are so used to that rhythm every three days that the boys are demanding and then we don’t have a game at the weekend, so we have a gap there, so let’s see how we get on Wednesday.”<\/p>\n
At Portman Road, Arteta selected a midfield perhaps with PSG in mind – as Thomas Partey will be suspended for the first leg of the semi-final.<\/p>\n
The manager moved Declan Rice to a deeper midfield role, with Mikel Merino – who has been playing as a makeshift striker – taking up his natural position in the middle. <\/p>\n
Leandro Trossard came in up front and scored two goals – and is ready to start against PSG if needed, according to Arteta.<\/p>\n
“Yeah, he’s certainly ready to play in any position,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We have to make certain adjustments, not because of PSG but because of the situation we had with Thomas and a few other players.<\/p>\n
“But that’s good because the team shows adaptability, versatility for certain players to play in different positions. And that’s very much needed, especially when we have the numbers that we have at the moment.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n