Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has explained why he snubbed a handshake with the Arsenal bench following Saturday’s win. The Spaniard insists the absence of Mikel Arteta was behind his decision not to seek out the Gunners staff.
John McGinn’s first-half goal was enough for Villa to see off Arsenal and extend their winning run at home. Emery’s side have now won their last 15 top-flight matches at Villa Park.
Emery got one over the club that sacked him four years ago after just 18 months in charge. Villa put a dent in Arsenal’s title challenge and increased hopes of themselves pulling off a football miracle this season.
Arteta watched the match from the directors’ box after picking up a third yellow card of the campaign in Tuesday’s late win at Luton. Gunners assistant Albert Stuivenberg was in charge on the touchline.
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But Emery didn’t seek out the Dutchman or the rest of his staff at the final whistle. He claimed Arteta’s absence was the reason he snubbed a handshake.
When asked about handshakes, Emery said: “No, because Arteta wasn’t on the bench. I gave my hand to the workers inside because they were there when I was there, but only with the people I coached with and who worked with me.
“There was nothing personal. It was because it wasn’t Arteta. I respect a lot Arsenal and Arteta. I respect a lot the workers there. I have nothing negative against them.”
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Villa moved up to third in the table with their win, just a point behind Arsenal and two off leaders Liverpool. Emery has paid tribute to the home supporters for their impact on an incredible run.
He said: “It was an amazing day with our amazing supporters here in Villa Park. The atmosphere we’re creating here is really brilliant and we are playing with 11 players and one more: our supporters. The fans are always transmitting their energy.
“Today we finished this week and the tough matches we’ve played with fantastic wins against Manchester City and Arsenal and an important draw at Bournemouth – sometimes when you can’t win it’s important to have the mentality to take a point.
“We are happy but we have to keep good balance in our minds. Okay, we are there (third in the table) but it’s only game 16. We have to try to enjoy and to do the way trying to improve and increase our level, trying to make our mentality better and better.”
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