The Digest:
A post-match tradition was omitted, prompting an explanation amid a lopsided result. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has clarified why he did not shake hands with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta following his team’s 4-1 thrashing at the Emirates, attributing it to his quick post-match routine rather than any personal slight.
Key Points:
- Emery’s Villa saw their 11-game winning streak emphatically ended by Arsenal.
- The manager was seen heading straight down the tunnel at full-time without the customary handshake.
- Emery explained he waited briefly, but Arteta was celebrating with his coaching staff, so he proceeded inside.
- He stated, “My routine is quick, shake hands and go… I decided to go inside. But for me, no problem.”
- Arteta said he held no issue with the incident, calling it “part of the game.”
- The defeat left Villa five points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
- Emery praised his team’s first-half performance but acknowledged being outplayed after the break.
Sources: Goal, BBC Sports
