Donnarumma’s Struggles Highlight Manchester City’s Defensive Woes

Manchester City managed to secure a 3-2 victory over Leeds United, but the match raised significant concerns about their defensive stability, particularly regarding goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. After a promising start, City faltered in the second half, allowing Leeds to mount a comeback that nearly resulted in a draw. This latest performance continues a troubling trend for the team since the November international break.

Early in the match, City appeared dominant. Phil Foden opened the scoring with a well-placed shot following a strong run by Matheus Nunes. City doubled their lead through Josko Gvardiol, who scored from a corner after narrowly missing the target moments earlier. Despite being two goals ahead at halftime, City struggled to maintain their momentum, indicating underlying issues that need addressing.

As the second half unfolded, Donnarumma’s composure came under scrutiny. Since joining the club on deadline day, he had bolstered City’s defense with crucial saves against teams like Manchester United and Brentford. However, in this match, he showed signs of vulnerability. His attempts to claim a relatively harmless free-kick resulted in a mishap that left the team on edge.

Leeds capitalized on Donnarumma’s unease, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin reducing the deficit after Nunes’s defensive errors. The match took a further turn when Donnarumma’s errant pass led to a Leeds throw-in, heightening the pressure on a team already struggling to maintain control. City appeared so rattled that they orchestrated a brief stoppage to regroup, but their defensive frailties were exposed once again when Gvardiol conceded a penalty.

Donnarumma managed to save the initial spot-kick taken by Lukas Nmecha, but the rebound allowed Nmecha to equalize, bringing Leeds back into contention. This marked a turning point that highlighted the growing concerns about Donnarumma’s form, as he picked up his fourth booking of the season, placing him one yellow card away from suspension.

Despite these challenges, City managed to regain their composure in the dying minutes of the match. With ten minutes of injury time announced, Foden struck once more, delivering the decisive goal that secured the win. The relief among players and fans was palpable as they celebrated what could have been a costly draw.

While Manchester City ultimately claimed the three points, the performance raised questions about their readiness for upcoming fixtures, particularly as they prepare for a crucial match in North London. With key players like Donnarumma needing to find their form, City must address these issues if they hope to compete consistently at the top level.