Emery skips handshake with Arteta after Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa
Unai Emery attributed the chilly December weather as his reason for bypassing the traditional post-match handshake with Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s comprehensive 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa at the Emirates on Tuesday evening, reports BritPanorama.
The Villa manager faced criticism after appearing to glance disapprovingly at his counterpart before heading straight for the tunnel as Arteta celebrated with his coaching staff. Emery later explained in a press conference, “I was waiting, I was waiting. He was happy, of course, he was happy. He was with his coaches. And I decided to go inside. But for me, it is no problem.”
His rationale, however, drew ridicule from Arsenal supporters on social media. One fan quipped, “Brother was standing in the cold for 90 minutes but waiting for 10 seconds wasn’t possible lol,” while another described the press conference as “difficult to watch” and suggested Emery should have been “honest” about his emotions.
While Emery’s comments were met with skepticism, Arteta appeared unfazed by the incident, noting, “It’s all good. That is part of the game, and it’s not unusual at all.” The Arsenal manager, buoyant after his side’s emphatic performance, led the Gunners to a critical victory following Aston Villa’s impressive 11-match winning streak.
Arsenal’s goals came from Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, with Ollie Watkins netting a late consolation for Villa. Arteta praised his players for their clinical finishing and efficiency, stating, “We competed for everything much better. The timing was better and the individual goals were fulfilled in an extraordinary way.”
This victory positions Arsenal six points clear of Villa, who remain in third place and five points ahead of Manchester City, underscoring the competitive landscape of this Premier League season.
In the end, while the press conference might be scrutinised more than the handshake, it serves as a reminder of the narratives that develop on match days — how even the smallest interactions can fuel discussions off the pitch.
