Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says he left the pitch without shaking hands because it was “cold” and he could not wait for Mikel Arteta.
UNAI Emery said his failure to shake hands with opposing manager Mikel Arteta was because it was “cold” at the Emirates following his Aston Villa side’s 4-1 loss to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Tuesday’s result left the Gunners five points clear of second-placed Manchester City and six ahead of third-placed Villa.
Second-half goals from Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus secured the win for Arsenal.
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Ollie Watkins pulled a goal back for Villa in injury time.
The defeat ended Villa’s club record-equalling 11-match winning streak.
At the final whistle, Arteta went to the opposing dugout to greet his fellow Spaniard.
Emery had already made his way down the tunnel after shaking hands with the fourth official.
“It is simple,” said Emery when asked about the incident.
“You can watch. After I finish the match, my routine is always quick, I shake hands, and I go with my coaches, with my players to the dressing room.”
“I was waiting, I was waiting. He (Arteta) was happy, of course he was happy. He was with his coaches. And I decided to go inside. But for me it is no problem.”
Emery later told Sky Sports his routine is to shake hands and go inside.
“If he is not doing the same rule, I can’t wait… it was cold,” he added.
Arteta played down the incident by saying it was “all good”.
“That is part of the game and it’s not unusual at all,” the Arsenal manager said.
Arsenal delivered a statement performance ahead of Manchester City’s match against Sunderland on Thursday.
“I’m so happy,” said Arteta.
“They (Villa) are a superb team, very difficult to play against, and we knew that we were going to have periods throughout the game.” – AFP
