Cold Outside? Why Did Unai Emery Not Offer Mikel Arteta The Customary Handshake After Villa’s Defeat At Arsenal?

Last Updated:December 31, 2025, 3:55 PM IST

Following the conclusion of the game, Emery avoided the customary post-match handshake with the opposition manager as the Frenchman made swift passage to the tunnel.

Unai Emery. (X)

Premier League table-toppers Arsenal ended 2025 on a high following their emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa at the Emirates on Wednesday, as Mikel Arteta and his team ended Unai Emery’s impressive run with the Villans.

Goals from Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus secured a resounding victory for the Gunners as they continue their pursuit of an elusive Premier League title.

Following the conclusion of the game, Emery avoided the customary post-match handshake with the opposition manager as the Frenchman made swift passage to the tunnel.

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“After finishing the match my routine is always quick, shake hands. I was waiting,” Emery said.

“Of course Arteta was happy. I decided to go inside. I can’t wait forever. It’s cold outside,” the former Arsenal boss said.

After a scoreless first half, Gabriel rose highest to head the ball into the net in the 48th minute, giving Arteta’s side the lead. Just four minutes later, Zubimendi doubled the advantage, scoring off a Martin Odegaard assist.

Trossard converted a Jurien Timber pass to score the third goal in the 69th minute before Jesus sealed the game with an exquisite strike, helping the Gunners solidify their position at the top.

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Arsenal’s win brought their season’s tally to 45 points from 19 outings, five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand against Sunderland on Friday.

Aston Villa, who climbed to third place due to their impressive run leading up to the game at the Emirates, remain third with 39 points despite their defeat to Arteta’s men. Fourth-placed Liverpool, with 32 points from 18 outings, face Leeds on Thursday, while United stand sixth in the table with 30 points from 19 matches, level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea, separated only by goal difference.

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