In a post-match interaction that has sparked debate, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has defended his decision not to shake hands with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta following Arsenal's dominant 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. The Gunners' impressive second-half performance, featuring goals from Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, dismantled Villa's 11-match winning streak.

Following the final whistle, Arteta embraced his backroom staff before heading towards the Aston Villa dugout to greet Emery. However, Emery had already made his way down the tunnel after shaking hands with the fourth official, Thomas Kirk.

When questioned about the apparent snub in the post-match press conference, Emery explained his actions, stating, "It is simple. 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". He further elaborated, "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 offered another reason while speaking to Sky Sports, quipping, "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".

Arteta, who succeeded Emery as Arsenal manager, downplayed the incident, stating, "You saw it, but it's OK, it's all good. That is part of the game, and it's not unusual at all".

The match itself saw Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. After a tightly contested first half, Gabriel broke the deadlock early in the second half, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error from Emiliano Martinez. Zubimendi, Trossard and Jesus then added to the scoreline, securing a comfortable victory for the home side. Ollie Watkins managed a late consolation goal for Aston Villa.

Arsenal's dominant second-half display underlined their title credentials, showcasing their ability to dismantle a strong Aston Villa side. Despite missing key players like Declan Rice through injury, Arsenal's squad depth proved crucial.

The win also marked a significant moment for Gabriel, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time in almost two months. His goal not only broke the deadlock but also seemed to ignite Arsenal's performance.

Arteta hailed the victory as a "beautiful evening," acknowledging the tough nature of the match against a top opponent. He credited his team's efficiency and the quality of their finishing in the second half.

While the post-match handshake incident has garnered attention, both managers appeared keen to move on, focusing on their respective team's performances and future challenges. Arsenal will look to maintain their momentum as they enter the new year, while Aston Villa will aim to bounce back from this setback and continue their pursuit of a top-four finish.