Arsenal: Unai Emery reveals reason for ignoring Mikel Arteta handshake after Aston Villa defeat | OneFootball

The two managers greeted each other at kick-off but not full-time

Instead the Gunners ran riot in a 4-1 win and the visitors had only a stoppage-time consolation from Ollie Watkins to cheer.

Emery, the former Arsenal manager, insisted he was "waiting" for Arteta, but decided to skip the handshake when the Arsenal boss did not first come over to him.

"It is simple," Emery explained.

"Always my routine is quick. Shake hands and then go with my players and coaches to the dressing room. I was waiting. He [Arteta] was happy and with his coaches.

"I decided to go inside. It is no problem.”

To Sky Sports, Emery simply said: “I cannot wait. It was cold.”

Arteta appeared bemused as he stopped, looked for Emery and then stared at the tunnel, before walking onto the pitch.

However, asked about the incident in his post-match press conference, the Spaniard was keen to play it down.

"You saw it," Arteta said.

"It's ok, it's all good. That's ok, that's part of the game. It's not an issue at all."

This was a welcome win for Arsenal, one that moves them six points clear of Villa and five ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

It was also only the third time Arteta has beaten an Emery side in nine meetings, exacting some revenge for defeat at Villa Park earlier this month.