'I can't wait forever. It was cold': Unai Emery's bizarre reason why he snubbed Mikel Arteta handshake after bruising defeat by Arsenal - but new footage reveals the truth
The Gunners struck four times in the second half to claim a statement win at the Emirates, delivering a hammer blow to a Villa side who were subject to growing talk of a Premier League title challenge.
Unai Emery has come under fire for failing to shake Mikel Arteta's hand after Arsenal's 4-1 pummeling of Aston Villa.
The Gunners struck four times in the second-half on Tuesday night to claim a statement win at the Emirates, delivering a hammer blow to a Villa side who were subject to growing talk of a Premier League title challenge.
Arteta, who replaced Emery as Arsenal manager in December 2019, was clearly elated and immediately celebrated with his coaching staff on the touchline after the final whistle.
But this did not go down well with the Villa boss, who appeared to shoot a disapproving glance in the direction of his counterpart before walking straight down the tunnel.
By the time Arteta had left the embrace of his team, Emery had already disappeared, leaving the Arsenal boss looking visibly puzzled as he sought out his fellow countryman.
Emery, however, launched a staunch defence of his decision in the aftermath of the match, saying he could not wait on Arteta finishing his celebrations because it was 'cold'.
🚨🔴‼️ Emery on why he didn’t shake Arteta’s hand after Villa’s loss 😂:
“After finishing the match my routine is always quick, shake hands.
I was waiting. Of course (Arteta) was happy.
I decided to go inside.
I can’t wait forever. It’s cold outside.” pic.twitter.com/xlLpTSBPCF
— Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) December 30, 2025
Unai Emery defended his decision not to shake Mikel Arteta's hand because it was 'cold'
Arteta embraced his staff throughout the game and celebrated with them after the final whistle
'It is simple,' the Villa boss said in his post-match press conference. '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 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 also told Sky Sports: 'Always my routine is go to the opposition coach, shake hands and go inside. If he is not doing the same rule, I can't wait… it was cold.'