Mikel Arteta has dismissed any suggestion of a rift with Unai Emery after the Aston Villa manager opted not to wait for a post-match handshake following Arsenal's commanding Premier League victory.
No Handshake, No Problem for Rival Bosses
The incident occurred at the Emirates Stadium on 31 December 2025, after Arsenal put four goals past a Villa side that had arrived in north London in superb form. A win would have taken the visitors level on points with the Gunners, but a dominant second-half display from the hosts, with a late consolation from Ollie Watkins, secured a 4-1 win for Arteta's men.
As the full-time whistle blew, Emery headed swiftly down the tunnel while Arteta was caught up celebrating with his coaching staff. When questioned about the lack of the customary managerial embrace, the Arsenal boss was unequivocal.
"It's not an issue," Arteta stated. "Sometimes we are in this sort of moment, so it's not an issue for me."
Emery's Explanation for the Swift Exit
For his part, Unai Emery, whom Arteta succeeded at Arsenal back in 2019, provided his own account of the events. The Villa boss claimed he had looked for his counterpart but found him engaged in celebrations.
"I was waiting for him but he was with his coaches," Emery explained. "My routine is to always go first to the opponent coach, shake hands and then go inside or go to my coaches. If he's not doing the same rule, I can't wait. I don't know what happened. There's no issue for me, but I can't wait. Maybe it's because it was cold?"
Emery concluded by congratulating Arsenal on their performance, insisting he remained happy despite the heavy defeat.
Title Race Heats Up as Arteta Eyes 2026 Glory
The result allowed Arsenal to, temporarily at least, extend their lead over closest rivals Manchester City. The two clubs are expected to duel for the title once more, following consecutive season-long battles in 2022/23 and 2023/24, both won by Pep Guardiola's side.
Arteta believes his team is perfectly positioned to end the club's long wait for Premier League glory, which dates back to 2004, and a general trophy drought nearing six years.
"Well, it has been a great 2025 on a personal and professional level," Arteta reflected. "The way these guys, the club and the staff make me enjoy my work every single day is brilliant. In 2026, we know what we want. We will have to work really hard for it every single day, but I think we are on the right tracks for it."
The match was not without other controversy, as Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez had to be restrained from confronting Arsenal supporters at full-time, adding another layer of drama to a comprehensive and significant victory for the Gunners.
