Unai Emery snubs handshake with Mikel Arteta after being demolished by former club

Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa 4-1 in their final match of 2025. After a goalless first half, the hosts exploded after the break, scoring four goals in quick succession. Villa managed a late consolation through Ollie Watkins in stoppage time, but it was not enough to salvage a difficult afternoon.

After the final whistle, Arteta was seen celebrating with his coaching staff before looking for Emery to exchange handshakes. However, the Villa manager had already left the pitch and was not visible. Television footage showed Arteta appearing momentarily confused, with no interaction taking place between the two.

Sky Sports commentators noted Emery’s absence, saying: “We’ve just seen replays on our monitors here of Mikel Arteta trying and failing to find Unai Emery for a handshake after the final whistle. It seems the Aston Villa boss went straight down the tunnel.”

Arteta later played down the situation, saying there was “no issue” between them. “It’s not an issue. Sometimes we are in this sort of moment, so it’s not an issue for me,” he said.

Emery was also asked about the incident and offered a straightforward explanation. “It’s simple. You can watch. After we finish, my routine is quick - shake hands and then go with my coaches and players to the dressing room. I was waiting and of course he was happy with his coaches. I decided to go inside. For me, no problem,” the Villa boss explained.

With the 4-1 victory, Arsenal ended 2025 at the top of the Premier League table, five points clear of Manchester City, who are yet to play their next match after the New Year. Aston Villa, meanwhile, missed the chance to close the gap and now sit six points off first place.

In the 20th gameweek, Aston Villa will open the round with a home match against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park. Arsenal will face 15th-placed Bournemouth, who drew 2-2 with Chelsea on Saturday night, although the Cherries could be without Antonio Semenyo amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester City after the New Year.