Unai Emery Admits he snubbed Arsenal’s handshake due to Mikel Arteta.

Unai Emery revealed that he did not shake hands with any members of the Arsenal coaching staff following Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory because Mikel Arteta was not present.

Following a recent FA charge, the Gunners manager was barred from the touchline for Saturday night’s match at Villa Park, and he could only watch from the executive boxes above as his side succumbed to an early first-half strike from midfielder John McGinn.

Emery was Arsenal’s manager for 18 months before being fired in November 2019 and replaced by Arteta. He admitted after the game that he didn’t shake hands with Arsenal’s coaching staff because Arteta left the stands just before the final whistle, but insisted there was no animosity between the two benches.

Emery, who instead reveled in the postgame celebrations with fans, was asked about handshakes and replied, “No, because Arteta wasn’t on the bench.” I extended my hand to the workers inside because they were present when I was, but only to the people I coached and worked with.”

“There was nothing personal,” he continued. It was due to the fact that it was not Arteta. Arsenal and Arteta are two clubs I hold in high regard. I have a lot of respect for the people who work there. I have nothing bad to say about them.”

Villa’s big win over Arsenal comes just days after Emery’s side easily defeated Premier League champions Manchester City. They are now only two points off the summit, prompting speculation that they may challenge for the title in the coming months.

Emery, on the other hand, was hesitant to entertain such talk. “I will speak again when we are in game 30 to 32, and if we are in the same position as now, then maybe I can speak about it,” he told Sky Sports after the game. We are not a contender right now because it is only game 16. We are in [the top four] and must work hard to stay there.”

Match-winner After scoring his sixth goal of the season, John McGinn also cooled title talk, declaring that he would “ban the T-word.” “I’m banning the T-word,” he added. It’s only game week 16, so there’s still a long way to go.

“We respect everyone around us who has been in this position for a long time.” We’re newbies; we’ll see if we can keep it up.”