Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided a candid explanation for his decision not to shake hands with Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta following a heavy defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Monday.
The Handshake That Never Was
The incident occurred after the final whistle of a match that saw Arsenal triumph 4-1, bringing a dramatic halt to Villa's impressive 11-match winning run. Emery, who waited on the pitch, ultimately headed to the dressing room without the customary post-match exchange.
When questioned about the snub, the Villa boss was direct. "It is simple, you can watch. Always my routine is quick," Emery stated. "I shake hands and then go with my players and coaches into the dressing room. I was waiting. He [Arteta] was waiting and he was with his coaches. I decided to go inside. For me it is no problem."
How the Match Unfolded
The defeat marked Villa's first loss in nearly two months. The visitors had contained Arsenal effectively in the first half, even preventing their hosts from winning a single corner.
However, the game turned after the break. Gabriel broke the deadlock early in the second half, beating goalkeeper Emi Martinez to a corner. Martin Zubimendi soon doubled Arsenal's lead, and Leandro Trossard added a third just after the hour mark.
Substitute Gabriel Jesus made it four, before Ollie Watkins scored a late consolation for Villa, tapping in from close range after good work from Donyell Malen.
Emery's Assessment of Villa's Performance
Despite the scoreline, Emery found positives in his team's display. "We competed fantastic in the first half and we had momentum," he reflected. "We felt comfortable, but we conceded the first goal in the second half."
He also pointed to an injury to midfielder Amadou Onana as a setback, noting his importance in set-pieces. Emery praised his team's spirit, saying, "We didn't give up... Arsenal are the best team in the league and they are the favourite to win the title."
Looking ahead, the manager remained upbeat about Villa's ambitions, concluding, "I am happy with we have set our ambitious demands."
