"I can't wait": Emery explains why he did not shake hands with Arteta after 4-1 defeat to Arsenal
Arsenal continued their strong Premier League run with a clear 4-1 win over Aston Villa. The result also brought an end to Villa’s impressive 11-game winning run across all competitions.
After the final whistle, attention quickly shifted from the scoreline to events on the touchline.
Villa manager Unai Emery walked straight down the tunnel without the usual handshake with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
That moment led to questions and quiet debates about whether something unusual had taken place.
Emery addresses post-match moment
Emery later clarified the situation when he was asked directly about the missed handshake. The Villa manager explained that he did not ignore Arteta after the match.
Instead, he said he waited, but Arteta was busy speaking with his coaching staff. According to Emery, his usual post-match routine is clear and consistent.
He prefers to greet the opposing manager first before moving on to the rest of the staff. When that does not happen, he does not remain on the touchline for long.
He said: “I was waiting for him, but he was with his coaches. Always my routine is to shake hands, the first bit is to always go to opponent’s coach. If he is not doing the same, I can’t wait.”
Emery made it clear that there was no frustration behind his actions. He stressed that the situation was normal and did not affect his mood.
The cold weather also played a part in his decision to head inside quickly.
When asked if he was upset by what happened, he added: “No, no! I am so happy. Congratulations Arsenal. I can’t wait, it was cold!”
Arsenal extend lead at the top
On the pitch, Arsenal delivered another strong display to underline their title push. The win further highlighted their steady form and control in key matches.
Villa struggled to cope as Arsenal pressed hard and made the most of their chances.
The defeat did not change Villa’s position among the league’s leading sides. They remain third in the table despite seeing their winning run come to an end.
However, the gap between the two teams has now widened after this result.
Arsenal now sit six points clear of Villa at the top of the standings. That cushion adds to their confidence as the season continues to unfold.
For Villa, the focus will shift to responding well after a rare heavy defeat. Emery’s comments helped settle any talk around the post-match scene.
The post "I can't wait": Emery explains why he did not shake hands with Arteta after 4-1 defeat to Arsenal first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.