Italy’s international goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma once again proved to be a game-changer with a stunning last-minute save as Manchester City triumphed over Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The match was on a knife-edge following a brace from Nico O’Reilly, which was temporarily equalized by Lewis Hall.
In the dying moments, Harvey Barnes thought he had equalized the score at 2-2 with a superb effort. However, he underestimated the remarkable reflexes of Donnarumma, who made an incredible save, deflecting the shot away from the bottom corner.
Donnarumma Propels City in Title Chase
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates after his team’s victory in the Premier League match against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2026. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Fans of Manchester City erupted on social media, noting this was the second time he had made a crucial late-game save following one against Liverpool.
His teammates rushed to embrace Donnarumma after the final whistle, fully aware of how pivotal that save was in keeping their title hopes alive.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates after the team’s first goal, scored by Nico O’Reilly, during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2026. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
While many fans celebrated, some expressed dissatisfaction regarding his distribution skills from the back, a concern that has lingered since his days at AC Milan. One Manchester City supporter even remarked, “he only excels in remarkable shot-stopping.”