LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Shay Given thinks Gianluigi Donnarumma cost Man City the win vs Arsenal, ‘wrong decision…’

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester City changed their recognised approach in order to get a result against Arsenal on Sunday, and they were only denied a win at the Emirates Stadium by a 92nd-minute Gabriel Martinelli equaliser.

Erling Haaland’s early goal set City on their way, and as Arsenal piled on the pressure, Pep Guardiola took off Haaland and Phil Foden in a bid to protect the lead.

However, Arsenal got their reward in injury time as Martinelli latched on to an Eberechi Eze through ball and lofted a wonderful finish over the stranded Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Arsenal v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

And former City goalkeeper Shay Given wasn’t particularly impressed with Donnarumma’s role in the goal as his every action continues to be scrutinised following his deadline day transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Shay Given says Gianluigi Donnarumma made ‘wrong decision’ for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal for Arsenal

Analysing Arsenal’s winner on Match of the Day, former City goalkeeper Shay Given said Gianluigi Donnarumma’s positioning was poor as Eze played the ball forward to Martinelli.

Given explained: “I don’t think he’s in a good position. His starting position is really good, but this ball from Eze, in my opinion, is world class.

“As a goalkeeper, your job is decision making, and for me he makes the wrong decision.

“If he stays in that position… if he drops off – just drop off, drop off – I think Martinelli just takes the shot on.”

Shay Given says Gianluigi Donnarumma made Gabriel Martinelli decision easy for Arsenal goal vs Manchester City

Continuing, Given explained how Donnarumma’s decision to stay out of his goal rather than retreat allowed Martinelli to loft the ball over him.

Arsenal players celebrate Gabriel Martinelli's goal against Manchester City
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

“Don’t get me wrong, great touch from Martinelli,” Given said. “But if Donnarumma drops off when the first ball comes out and makes the right decision, I don’t even think Martinelli takes the shot.

“He might play it across goal or whatever. But he makes up his mind – Donnarumma’s in his position – and it’s a brilliant finish, but I think the goalkeeper helps him.”

Donnarumma once again dominated his area when crosses came in, but his distribution was put under the test as Arsenal had over 60 per cent possession against City.