Emery Explains Why He Did Not Shake Arteta’s Hand After Arsenal’s 4-1 Win Over Aston Villa

Unai Emery did not shake Mikel Arteta’s hand after Arsenal’s resounding win over Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. 

Arteta has explained why he chose not to follow the post-match etiquette, but Arsenal fans appear to have a very different take on the matter.

Arsenal End Aston Villa’s Winning Streak in Emphatic Fashion

Having won their last 11 games, third-place Aston Villa travelled to North London for their Premier League Matchday 19 appointment with league leaders Arsenal.

A win at the Emirates would have put Villa level on points with Mikel Arteta’s side, but the story did not pan out that way.

Ollie Watkins and Viktor Gyokeres’ lacklustre finishing ensured the game remained goalless at half-time. In the second half, Arsenal showed why they are the favourites to end their title drought this season.

Gabriel Magalhaes made it 1-0 in the 48th minute before Martin Zubimendi doubled Arsenal’s lead just four minutes later.

MAKING A STATEMENT. pic.twitter.com/uTPfiGLtEt

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 30, 2025

In the 69th minute, Leandro Trossard sealed the win for Arsenal, finding the back of the net from 20 yards out. However, the hosts were not quite done yet.

Ten minutes later, substitute striker Gabriel Jesus made it 4-0, giving his confidence a solid boost after a long injury lay-off.

Watkins scored in injury time to reduce the deficit, but it was not nearly enough to spark a turnaround.

The game finished 4-1, allowing the Gunners to open up a provisional five-point lead over Manchester City in second. The victory saw Arsenal beat Man City in the Premier League calendar year table.

Emery on Why He Did Not Shake Arteta’s Hand After Arsenal Beat Villa

After the final whistle, it is customary for managers to shake hands. However, Unai Emery decided not to follow it on Tuesday and swiftly went down the tunnel.

When asked why he did not shake Mikel Arteta’s hand after the game, Emery said:

“After finishing the match, my routine is always quick, shake hands.

“I was waiting. Of course, [Arteta] was happy. I decided to go inside.

“I can’t wait forever. It’s cold outside.”

Fans Call Out Emery for Skipping Handshake

Arsenal fans have not accepted Unai Emery’s reasoning, with many calling him a sore loser and claiming he did not wait for Mikel Arteta.

On X (formerly Twitter), @MANamandze_NEW wrote:

“He was in the cold for 90 minutes and didn’t complain, but couldn’t wait to shake an opponent’s hand, Emery is such a sore loser.”

‼️ Emery on why he didn’t shake Arteta’s hand after Villa’s loss :

“After finishing the match my routine is always quick, shake hands.

I was waiting. Of course (Arteta) was happy.

I decided to go inside.

I can’t wait forever. It’s cold outside.” pic.twitter.com/xlLpTSBPCF

— Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) December 30, 2025

@_supercharlie added:

“Emery said he waited, but the video here shows he just walked straight in and didn’t even wait.”

Another @noironsol wrote:

“Emery’s excuse is colder than the weather at the Emirates.

“Maybe he should’ve brought a scarf instead of his ego.”