Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma to make up for a defense that now faces more shots, betting that elite shot-stopping would outweigh his limited play with the ball. He has produced some strong saves and solid overall numbers, but recent costly mistakes—including against Leipzig—have made him look more dependable than exceptional. For a goalkeeper recruited to be among the world’s best, “fine” isn’t enough.

By the Numbers
  • City allowed about 7.5 shots per game in each of the four seasons before 2024-25.
  • That rose to 9.34 per game in 2024-25, 9.71 in 2025-26 and 10.56 in the Premier League this season.
  • City have conceded 6 fewer goals than the post-shot expected-goals value of the shots Donnarumma has faced across 56 Premier League and Champions League games.
  • Erling Haaland has scored 13 goals in 9 meetings with Leipzig.
Yes, But

Donnarumma has made key saves and, by the underlying numbers, has generally stopped more goals than expected. Some shots against him have been difficult to save, including Leipzig’s second equalizer. But his errors have reinforced the central concern: City signed him primarily for shot-stopping, and recent performances have not consistently matched that elite standard.

Bottom Line

City’s tactical shift has made a goalkeeper’s shot-stopping more important—and Donnarumma has been competent, not transcendent. If he can’t offer much in possession, he needs to be exceptional at keeping the ball out.