Unai Emery Explains “Nothing Personal” Reason for Skipping Handshake With Arsenal Staff

Unai Emery, current manager of Aston Villa, has addressed the controversy surrounding his decision to skip the customary post-match handshake with Arsenal’s coaching staff after their 1-0 Premier League victory on December 9th.

Emery’s explanation clarifies that his actions were not intended as a personal slight against the Arsenal staff, but rather a result of Mikel Arteta’s absence from the bench due to a touchline ban.

Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

• What happened: After Aston Villa’s victory against Arsenal, Emery celebrated with his players and opted not to shake hands with any of the visiting team’s coaching staff.
• Emery’s explanation: He explained that his decision stemmed solely from Arteta’s absence, stating that he only greeted “the people I coached with and who worked with me.”
• No personal animosity: Emery emphasized his respect for Arsenal and Arteta, highlighting that there was no negative intent behind his action.
• Emery’s history with Arsenal: He managed the club from 2018 to 2019, achieving a record of 43 wins, 20 losses, and 15 draws before being replaced by the current manager, Arteta.
• Arteta’s reaction: The Arsenal manager expressed disappointment with the result but acknowledged that his team lacked the necessary accuracy to convert their chances into goals.

READ: Anthony Davis Dominates, Lakers Claim Inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament Title

Despite the controversy, the focus remains on the competitive Premier League landscape. Arsenal, currently second in the table just one point behind leaders Liverpool, will look to bounce back from this defeat when they face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on December 12th.