Italy’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, exposed his notable weakness during a mishap that allowed Arsenal to equalize against Manchester City.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City apologizes after misdirecting his clearance straight to Kai Havertz of Arsenal (not pictured), who went on to score his team’s first goal during the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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The former Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star is regarded as one of the leading shot-stoppers today, yet his most significant flaw has consistently been his footwork.
Concerns about this aspect of his game were heightened when he joined Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a team renowned for their build-from-the-back strategy that relies heavily on their goalkeeper’s ability to play as an additional sweeper.
Donnarumma’s Ongoing Struggles with Footwork
Although Donnarumma had shown improvement in this area lately, the old mistakes resurfaced at a critical moment, just after City had taken the lead in the pivotal Premier League match against Arsenal.
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Under pressure from Kai Havertz, who made a heavy touch, Donnarumma misplayed his clearance, which ricocheted off Havertz and went straight into the net.
The Italian looked devastated as his teammates attempted to console him, but this isn’t the first time his difficulties with the ball at his feet have had serious repercussions.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City appears dejected after mishitting his clearance directly to Kai Havertz of Arsenal (not pictured), who subsequently scored during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)